Commonwealth offers support in Bangladesh reform process

The Commonwealth is poised to offer its support for political reforms in Bangladesh ahead of the nation’s planned general election next year, according to Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. Speaking during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at his hotel in London on Tuesday, Botchwey stated, “We will be happy to provide the support if Bangladesh requires it, especially the support for constitutional reforms.”

Botchwey outlined the Commonwealth’s strategic priorities for the next five years, emphasizing that fostering democracy and good governance among its member states is a primary objective. Other key areas of focus include boosting trade and investment, and assisting members in their efforts to combat climate change.

Highlighting the economic potential of the Commonwealth, which encompasses a platform of 2.7 billion people, the Ghanaian national noted that annual trade among member states currently stands at approximately $850 billion USD, with plans to elevate this figure to at least $1 trillion in the coming years.

The Secretary-General also addressed the pressing issue of climate change, particularly its disproportionate impact on many smaller Commonwealth nations. “We will be trying to help them get access to climate finance,” she affirmed.

In response, Chief Adviser Yunus urged the Commonwealth Secretary-General to explore the broader potential of sports and enhance youth engagement across member states. “Sports are not just a form of entertainment but a kind of social orientation. We are encouraging sportspeople to become entrepreneurs. Sports can be a good way for the Commonwealth to be remembered,” the Chief Adviser elaborated.

Responding positively, the Commonwealth Secretary-General announced plans for a youth program to be held in Dhaka later this month. She underscored the significance of the Commonwealth’s youthful demographic, with 1.5 billion young people, and the organization’s ongoing efforts to involve them in diverse activities. Furthermore, she mentioned initiatives to revamp Commonwealth scholarships for students, an area the Chief Adviser stressed should receive priority.

The meeting was attended by several high-ranking Bangladeshi officials, including National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy Lutfe Siddiqi, Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed, and Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Abida Islam.