Dhaka: Commonwealth Assistant Secretary General Professor Luis Gabriel Franceschi today affirmed that Commonwealth countries will stand by Bangladesh as he met with Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology adviser Md Nahid Islam at the latter’s ministry office.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discussions highlighted the support that the interim government has received globally and emphasized its revolutionary nature, focusing on institutional reforms rather than merely holding elections.
During the meeting, Nahid Islam noted the formation of various commissions aimed at institutional reforms and stated that elections would follow the completion of these reforms. He also mentioned the ongoing judicial process for the mass-killing during the July-August uprising and expressed the need for Commonwealth assistance to ensure an impartial trial. The adviser sought the support of Commonwealth nations in building a new Bangladesh.
Professor Luis Franceschi praised the government’s effort
s towards democratic reforms and assured support for ongoing initiatives, including electoral process reforms. He emphasized the Commonwealth’s commitment to collaborate with the interim government in building an inclusive, prosperous, and discrimination-free Bangladesh. Franceschi also highlighted the Commonwealth’s interest in working with Bangladesh in sectors such as education, information technology, media, cyber security, and artificial intelligence.
Nahid Islam reiterated the interim government’s aim to transition the country from an autocratic or non-democratic regime to a democratic one. He underscored the importance of Commonwealth countries’ support, asserting that the interim government is prepared to take actions serving the national interest.
The meeting was attended by Posts and Telecommunications Division Secretary Dr Md Mushfiqur Rahman, Acting ICT Division Secretary Dr Muhammad Mehedi Hasan, Commonwealth Advisor and Head of Asia Dr. Dinusha Nihara, and other senior officials.