Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Nicola Beer on Wednesday assured the interim government of its help in carrying out vital reforms it has undertaken.
"We have come in a very challenging time; we back the interim government and its reform agenda," she said when she met Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna.
Beer said the EU has the technical expertise to provide the support. "Everything we can do, please ask," she said, adding, "It is important to make it visible that the Interim Government of Bangladesh is not only working but also delivering."
Calling the present period an opportune time, Dr Yunus sought EIB help in tackling corruption, the green transition in energy and formulating a broader plan for the Sundarbans mangrove forest and the surrounding region and river system.
He also sought EIB support in building facilities in Chittagong Port for the development of the people in eastern Bangladesh and water management in northern Bangladesh, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing.
Dr Yunus said the development in eastern Bangladesh, in the largest port in the region, will also benefit eastern India and Myanmar.
He also recalled his meeting with EU President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York in September last year when they had discussed possible areas of support in the fight against corruption and Bangladesh's increased shift towards renewable energy from fossil fuel.
The Chief Adviser also mentioned his recent meeting with EU envoys when many areas of cooperation were discussed.
Dr Yunus elaborated on the interim government plans to hold the next general election and local government elections.
He said the interim government was also simultaneously preparing for local government elections to make sure that "local government is really local and a government".
Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi, BIDA Chairman Ashik Mahmud Chowdhory, Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed, ERD Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky and EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller were, among others, present on the occasion. —UNB
