Govt preparing for local body elections: CA Yunus

The interim government is simultaneously preparing for local government elections and the upcoming general election, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said today (8 January).
 
During a meeting with European Investment Bank Vice President Nicola Beer at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka, the chief adviser elaborated on the interim government plans to hold the elections.

Calling the present period an opportune time, Professor 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.

He said the development in eastern Bangladesh, in the largest port in the region, will also benefit eastern India and Myanmar.

The EIB vice president pledged the bank's support to the interim government in implementing the vital reforms it has undertaken.

"We have come in a very challenging time; we back the interim government and its reform agenda," she said, adding that the EU has the technical expertise to provide the support.

"Everything we can do, please ask," she said.

"It is important to make it visible that the interim government of Bangladesh is not only working but also delivering."

At the meeting, the chief adviser 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.

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, EU Ambassador Michael Miller were among others present on the occasion.