Recalling his long relationships with Canada including its top politicians and development agencies, interim government’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said his government needs Canadian support to boost economic growth.
The Chief Adviser urged Canada to invest in Bangladesh in an effort to help rebuild the country from an economic mess when Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Lilly Nicholls met him at the state guesthouse Jamuna.
"We need big investment," he said, adding that the interim government inherited an economy, which was in total mess with a huge amount of debt being accumulated.
He said the government was also restoring vital institutions broken by the previous regime and was bringing order and clarity in governance. "Our first priority is to fix the economy," he said.
The Canadian High Commissioner said her government was ready to support the Chief Adviser and the interim government.
The envoy said Bangladesh must ensure labour rights in factories in an effort to continue to enjoy trade preferences from the North American country.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said his government would seek support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for reforms in the judiciary and Election Commission.
“We are committed to free, fair and transparent elections,” said Prof Yunus.
He 2006 Nobel Peace laureate made the comments when the UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller paid a courtesy call on him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.
The Chief Adviser said the Interim Government was committed to launch vital reforms in Bangladesh's key institutions in an effort to hold a free, fair and transparent election and help people truly enjoy the fruits of the student-led revolution.
Interim Government Chief also sought Malaysia’s support for Bangladesh to become a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh has a very good relationship with Malaysia and recalled his friendship with Malaysian leaders, including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad.
“Let’s give our best to enhance relationship,” the Chief Adviser told the Malaysian High Commissioner.
He sought Malaysian support when Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Haznah Md. Hashim, paid a courtesy call on him at the State Guest House Jamuna.
Bangladesh can be a bridge between ASEAN and SAARC, Chief Adviser's press wing quoted Prof Yunus as saying.
Hashim said Kuala Lumpur was going to be the next chair of ASEAN and she would convey Professor Yunus’s message to the Malaysian authorities regarding the ASEAN membership.
She said Malaysia would work with the Professor Yunus-led Interim government. “We trust in you. We wish you all the best,” she said.
Prof Yunus said that at least seven Malaysian universities have Yunus Centre, promoting social business ideas he champions and his three zero concepts.
The High Commissioner, who is leaving Bangladesh after a tenure of four years, raised tax issues being faced by Robi Axiata and other Malaysian companies, saying some 50 percent of Robi’s revenue is paid as taxes.
