Chief Advisor (CA) Dr. Muhammad Yunus has urged European Union (EU) countries to move their visa centers from Delhi to Dhaka or a neighboring country. 

He made the plea during a meeting with EU diplomats on Monday (December 9) at his office in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

The meeting, which lasted for about two and a half hours, was attended by a 19-member EU delegation led by Michael Miller, Head of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh. Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain also participated in the meeting.

Dr. Yunus explained that due to India's restrictions on visas for Bangladeshis, many students are facing difficulties in obtaining European visas in Delhi, causing uncertainty about their educational futures. 

He said that relocating the visa centers to Dhaka or a nearby country would benefit both Bangladesh and the EU.

Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain informed the diplomats that Bulgaria has already moved its visa centers for Bangladeshis to Indonesia and Vietnam. He encouraged other EU countries to follow suit.

During the discussion, the diplomats shared their views on various issues, including labor rights, trade benefits, climate change, human rights, the International Crimes Tribunal Act, Rohingya repatriation, and commitments to building a sustainable future.

The CA also paid tribute to those who were killed and injured in the July-August uprising in Bangladesh. Dr. Yunus briefly highlighted human rights violations, forced disappearances, and economic corruption that have plagued the country over the last 16 years. 

He also discussed the economic white paper, mentioning how corruption, money laundering, and mismanagement had destabilized the banking system.

Dr. Yunus also pointed out the widespread spread of misinformation about Bangladesh. 

The EU representatives assured full support for the reform process in Bangladesh. They expressed their commitment to standing by the country and providing advice and recommendations to help build a new Bangladesh.

Besides, the Chief Adviser accused the ousted authoritarian leader Sheikh Hasina and her associates of embezzling large sums of money during the July uprising and using those funds to destabilize the country.

He underscored the importance of national unity and said that discussions with representatives of all political parties and religious communities in Bangladesh were ongoing. 

He also informed the EU representatives in detail about the interim government's reforms and the election process.

BDST: 1719 HRS, DEC 09, 2024
MSK/SMS