Norway reaffirms confidence in Bangladesh’s interim government

“Loans were treated like gifts, and we inherited a staggering pile of unpaid bills,” says Yunus

Norway has reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s interim government, signalling continued international backing during a critical political transition.

The assurance came on Tuesday when Stine Renate Håheim, Norway’s state secretary for International Development, met Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.

According to a statement from the Chief Advisor’s Office (CAO), Håheim extended warm greetings from Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, while highlighting the long-standing bilateral ties between the two countries.

“You are a well-known figure in Norway,” she told the interim prime minister. “Our prime minister often speaks of you with great admiration. You have been friends for a long time.”

Yunus recalled Norway’s consistent support during Bangladesh’s times of crisis and its role in the country’s development journey. “Norway has always stood by Bangladesh during critical moments.

“Your role in our development journey is undeniable.”

The Norwegian minister underlined her government’s commitment to democratic transition and multilateral cooperation.

“We came here to show our support for the democratisation of Bangladesh," she said. “The responsibility on your shoulders is immense, and expectations are high among the people of Bangladesh.”

Yunus spoke about recent challenges, referring to the fallout from last year’s political unrest.

“Many lives were lost during the July uprising, and our economy suffered immense damage. The previous regime enabled the laundering of an estimated $16 billion annually,” he said.

“Loans were treated like gifts, and we inherited a staggering pile of unpaid bills.”

Despite the setbacks, he noted growing international interest. “At the recent BIDA Summit, the world’s top companies came to see our situation first-hand, including some from Norway.

“They came not out of obligation, but out of curiosity and belief in what’s possible here.”

Turning to humanitarian issues, Yunus urged the Norwegian government to continue its support for the displaced Rohingya population.

“These are real people with real aspirations. The young people of the Rohingya community need hope,” he said.

“Many of them came as children, aged seven or 10, and are now teenagers. They’ve grown up in camps. Every day, more children are born into a future with no certainty.

“They want to go back home, but they’re stuck in limbo. We must not forget them.”

Recognising the scale and sensitivity of the crisis, Håheim responded: “We deeply appreciate how Bangladesh has taken the lead in addressing this crisis.

“We want to expand our relationship beyond development assistance toward a broader, dynamic partnership.”