dhaka: 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. This declaration of support was made during a meeting between a high-level Commonwealth delegation, led by Prof Franceschi, and Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof Franceschi is on a four-day visit to Bangladesh to engage in discussions with various dignitaries of the interim government. During these meetings, he praised the interim government’s efforts towards democratic reform and pledged full support from the Commonwealth for ongoing initiatives, including those aimed at improving the electoral process.
Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain sought stronger international support to address the Rohingya crisis, emphasizing that “Bangladesh alone cannot solve this issue. The only via
ble solution lies in the safe and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar, with dignity and rights.” In response, Prof Franceschi expressed the Commonwealth’s continued support in resolving the crisis and highlighted the importance of sustained humanitarian assistance for the displaced Rohingya population.
During the discussions, the Foreign Adviser also underscored the historic student-led mass movement that dismantled autocratic rule in Bangladesh, leading to a democratic restoration. He outlined the interim government’s reform measures aimed at ensuring a smooth and inclusive democratic transition and preventing a return to past challenges. Hossain stressed that the interim government embodies the aspirations of Bangladesh’s youth and called for the Commonwealth’s continued support for these reform efforts.
In a separate meeting, Prof Franceschi also met with Adviser for Social Welfare Sharmeen Murshid, who emphasized the strength of the interim government, noting its broad publi
c support. She briefed the delegation about plans for the injured mass and sought support from the Commonwealth for counseling, re-teaching, and therapies, aiming to bolster social welfare initiatives.