In a meeting today at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka, Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Irma van Dueren pledged full support from the Netherlands to the interim government of Bangladesh. The Netherlands aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, maritime, industry, environment, and youth development.

During the courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Ambassador van Dueren expressed the Netherlands' commitment to enhancing ties in critical areas such as flood management, labour, and knowledge economy. She also highlighted potential Dutch investments in agriculture, water, and renewable energy sectors.

Professor Yunus, in response, acknowledged his longstanding relationship with the Netherlands and thanked the Dutch government for its continued support. He emphasized the need for Dutch assistance in advancing the interim government's reform agenda, particularly after what he described as the destruction of institutions under the previous regime. Yunus noted his administration’s dedication to reforms in key sectors including education, finance, the Election Commission, and civil service.

The ongoing Rohingya crisis was also a focal point of discussion. Professor Yunus stressed the importance of providing education and skills training to young Rohingyas in refugee camps to ensure they have a brighter future.

Several officials, including Lamiya Morshed, Senior Secretary on SDG Affairs, Kazi Russel Pervez, Director General of the Foreign Ministry, and Thijs Woudstra, Deputy Dutch Ambassador, were present at the meeting.

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