Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) of the Commonwealth Prof Luis Gabriel Franceschi has reiterated the Commonwealth’s commitment to collaborating with Bangladesh’s interim government to establish a “discrimination-free, inclusive, and prosperous” society.
The promise was made when a high-level Commonwealth delegation, led by Prof Franceschi, met Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry on Sunday, said ministry’s press release here today.
Prof Franceschi is on a four-day visit to Bangladesh to hold discussions with various dignitaries of the interim government.
He lauded the interim government’s efforts towards democratic reform and assured full support from the Commonwealth for ongoing reform initiatives, including those focused on electoral process improvements.
Foreign Adviser sought stronger international support to address the Rohingya crisis.
“Bangladesh alone cannot solve this issue. The only viable solution lies in the safe and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar, with dignity and rights,” he stressed.
The ASG emphasised the significance of ongoing humanitarian aid for the displaced Rohingya population and reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s ongoing commitment in addressing the problem.
The Foreign Adviser brought up the historic student-led mass movement that overthrew dictatorial rule and helped Bangladesh regain its democracy throughout the conversation.In order to guarantee a seamless and inclusive democratic transition and avoid a recurrence of previous difficulties, he also described the reform initiatives of the interim government.
Hossain asked the Commonwealth to continue supporting reform initiatives and underlined that the interim administration embodies the hopes of Bangladesh’s young.
Prof Franceschi also met Adviser for Social Welfare Sharmeen Murshid, who highlighted the strength of the interim government, noting its broad public support.
She briefed the delegation about the plan for the injured mass and sought support from the Commonwealth for counselling, re-teaching and therapies.
