A high-level Commonwealth delegation, led by Professor Luis Gabriel Franceschi- the Assistant Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, called on the Hon’ble Foreign Adviser, H.E. Mr. Md Touhid Hossain, on 17 November 2024 at the latter’s office in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting, the Hon’ble Foreign Adviser highlighted the background of the historic student-led mass movement that dismantled and ultimately thwarted the autocratic regime and paved the way to reinstate the democratic process in Bangladesh. He also briefed the delegation on the reform initiatives undertaken by the Interim Government to ensure a smooth and inclusive democratic transition and not return to the same situation again.
The Hon’ble Foreign Adviser emphasised that the interim Government of Bangladesh is a reflection of the aspirations of the people, particularly the nation’s youth and sought support from the Commonwealth for the reform initiatives of the Interim Government.
Professor Franceschi appreciated the efforts of the current Government of Bangladesh towards democratic reform and assured of the Commonwealth’s support in every possible way towards ongoing reform initiatives of the Government including for the electoral process reform. He emphasized the Commonwealth’s commitment to working with the Interim Government to build a discrimination-free, inclusive, and prosperous Bangladesh.
Foreign Adviser Hossain sought the international community’s support for the Rohingyas. He emphasized that Bangladesh cannot solve this problem by its own and said that the only solution to this crisis lies in the safe and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar with respect and rights. The ASG reiterated the Commonwealth’s strong support to resolve the Rohingya crisis and stressed on the importance of continued humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas.
In the afternoon the Assistant Secretary General called on the Hon’ble Adviser for Social Welfare, Her Excellency Ms. Sharmeen Murshid. The Hon’ble Adviser stressed that the Interim Government is much stronger than any previous government as it has overwhelming support of the mass people. She briefed the delegation about the plan for the injured mass and sought support from the Commonwealth for counselling, re-teaching and therapies.
The ASG is in Dhaka for a four-day official visit and scheduled to meet different dignitaries of the Interim Government.
