by
.jpg)
Dhaka, May 21, 2025 : Bangladesh has urged Norway to continue its support for the Rohingya community and other humanitarian sectors, as emphasized by Chief Adviser to the Interim Government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, during a meeting with Norway’s State Secretary for International Development, Stein Renate Høie, at the state guest house Yamuna on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
Highlighting the plight of the Rohingya, displaced from Myanmar, Dr. Yunus said, “They are real people with real dreams. Many arrived as young children—7 or 10 years old—and are now teenagers growing up in camps. New children are born every day into an uncertain future. They want to return home but are stuck. We must not forget them.”
Høie acknowledged the gravity of the humanitarian crisis, stating, “We sincerely appreciate Bangladesh’s leadership in this crisis. We aim to move beyond development assistance to foster a broader, dynamic partnership.”
During the meeting, Høie reaffirmed Norway’s continued support for Bangladesh and conveyed warm greetings from Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, emphasizing the deep and historic ties between the two nations. “You are a well-known figure in Norway. Our Prime Minister often recalls you with great respect, reflecting the long-standing friendship between you,” she noted.
Dr. Yunus reciprocated by acknowledging Norway’s steadfast support, saying, “Norway has always stood by Bangladesh during crises. Your role in our development journey is undeniable.”
Høie reiterated Norway’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and Bangladesh’s democratic transition, stating, “We are here to support Bangladesh’s democratic transformation. You carry a great responsibility, and the expectations of the Bangladeshi people are high.”
Dr. Yunus outlined recent challenges, noting, “The July uprising led to significant loss of life, and our economy has suffered immense damage. The previous government facilitated an estimated $16 billion in annual money laundering, treating loans as gifts, leaving us with a mountain of unpaid bills.”
Despite these challenges, Dr. Yunus expressed optimism, saying, “Global confidence in Bangladesh is growing. At the recent BIDA Summit, top global companies, including some from Norway, witnessed our reality firsthand—not out of obligation but because they believe in our potential.”
The meeting was attended by SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Md. Mosharraf Hossain.
AI/MR
