The European Union stands ready to support the interim government of Bangladesh led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in all possible ways in its reform initiatives and fight against corruption.

Paola Pampaloni, director of the European External Action Service’s Asia and Pacific Department, expressed the readiness of European countries to support Bangladesh when she called on the chief adviser at her Tejgaon office in Dhaka today.

Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, was present on the occasion.

“The message is very clear. The European Union is with you. We want to support your reform,” Pampaloni told Prof. Yunus, confirming the support of 27 European Union member states for Bangladesh.

Pampaloni said that there will be no shortage of funds for the reform and that they will also provide technical support to the interim government to carry out the task.

The chief adviser appreciated the gesture and recalled his meeting with European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September, when the two discussed ways and means of supporting Bangladesh .

He pointed out that Von der Leyen was committed to helping Bangladesh fight corruption and the country’s transition to renewable energy with his vast experience on the ground.

Pampaloni acknowledged that the European Union has done it with many other countries using its technical expertise and financial support.

“I listened carefully to your statements at the UNGA and decided that we now have someone to work with in Bangladesh. You don’t have to feel alone. We are really keen to support,” she said.

The EU official asked Bangladesh to create more investment opportunities, which would create more jobs and increase trade.

EU Ambassador Miller told the Chief Counsel that the Vice President of the European Investment Bank was planning to visit Bangladesh in January to explore more business opportunities with Bangladesh.

The Chief Adviser assured EU officials of Bangladesh’s commitment to labor rights reform, which would pave the way to bring in more investment.

“We want to make sure we keep the international standard … there will be no hiding. We don’t want to play this game anymore,” he told EU officials.

EU officials praised Professor Yunus’ political commitment to reforms in various sectors.

“It’s the first time we see a political commitment to what we set out to do. So, we’re counting on you,” Pampaloni said.

Professor Yunus called on the European Union to work with Nepal and India to increase regional energy connectivity.

He said that Nepal has huge hydropower which is being wasted and with some support from the European Union, Nepal, Bangladesh and India can benefit from it.

The Chief Adviser also urged the EU to focus on Bangladeshi youth and highlighted the recent achievements of Bangladeshi girls in the South Asian football team.

“They came and conquered, not just once, but twice,” he said.

He also asked the European Union to send a European football team to inspire Bangladeshi girls.