French firms are interested to set up three solar parks and install "lightning arresters" in 15 lightning-prone districts in Bangladesh, French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy said on Wednesday when she paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.
France is ready to support Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and the Interim Government in rebuilding the country, said Ambassador Masdupuy. "The interim government's agenda to fight corruption would be a "key enabler" to further enhance trade and investments in Bangladesh as these efforts were facing hurdles with customs and investment authority," she said. She said French firms were interested in setting up three solar parks in Bangladesh and installing "lightning arresters" in 15 lightning-prone districts in the country. She said French President Emmanuel Macron invited Chief Adviser Dr Yunus to visit France at a convenient time.
She condoled the death of students and people who were killed during the July-August revolution. Dr Yunus said the student-led revolution has given the Interim Government an opportunity to rebuild the country like never before.
"It is a big task. But we see it as a big opportunity. If we don't use the opportunity, it will be a big failure," said Dr Yunus.
He said the Interim Government would stay as long as the people want.
Dr Yunus said he has called for reconciliation in the country, urging the people to see themselves as part of "a big family".
"Sometimes we disagree very strongly. But that does not mean we are enemies," he said.
He said his government is committed to protect the rights of every citizen. "Let's establish human rights. Our job is to make the Constitution work for us," he said. Ambassador Masdupuy said France was working with Bangladesh's civil defence forces and was interested in extending expertise to fight corruption, human trafficking, forensic cyber crime, port and airport security and financial crime.
She said the Alliance Francaise Dhaka would celebrate its 65th anniversary in October and she invited Dr Yunus at the celebration.
