Chief Advisor Yunus vows to hold inclusive, impartial elections by December

European Union Commissioner Hadja Lahbib lauds his "extraordinary" leadership at such a crucial juncture for the country

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has assured the European Union about the interim government's aim of holding an "inclusive" and "impartial" parliamentary election by December.

Yunus reiterated the plan during a meeting with the visiting European Union Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday.

Lahbib lauded Yunus’ leadership at a critical juncture for the country.

"You did an extraordinary job at an extraordinary time. My main message is that we are ready to reinforce our cooperation,” she said.

Repeating the EU’s support for the reform agenda of the interim government, she said: “It is a very important strategic window that we are witnessing. We know there is always resistance when you want to change something. So, a lot needs to be done. We are here beside you,"she said.

Lahbib told the chief advisor that the EU was spending 68 million euros in aid to address the Rohingya crisis and the people affected by violence in Myanmar’s western Rakhine State.

Lahbib, however, pointed out that though the sum was higher than the initial EU contribution last year, it was “still not enough” to avoid the risks posed by any major decline of the humanitarian situation in the camps due to the growing funding gap.

Yunus highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to addressing the Rohingya humanitarian crisis, mentioning that it was a “big problem” for Bangladesh.

“We are very happy to see you visit Bangladesh. The UN secretary-general is also coming. We are trying to draw international attention to the Rohingya crisis,” he said.

Lahbib said the only answer to the crisis is peace.

“We need to remain prepared for all kinds of disasters, including man-made ones. Such disasters also entail disinformation,” she said.