Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged European Union (EU) member states to relocate their visa centers from New Delhi to Dhaka or neighboring countries to ease the visa process for Bangladeshi citizens.
The appeal was made during an interactive session with EU diplomats at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Dhaka's Tejgaon on Monday.
Prof. Yunus emphasised the difficulties faced by Bangladeshi students who are unable to travel to Delhi due to India's visa restrictions, resulting in uncertainties about their education.
“If the visa offices are moved to Dhaka or a neighboring country, it would benefit both Bangladesh and the European Union,” Prof. Yunus said, according to a statement from his press wing.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain highlighted Bulgaria’s successful relocation of its visa center for Bangladeshi applicants to Indonesia and Vietnam and encouraged other EU countries to adopt similar measures.
Reforms and Election Preparations
During the meeting, Prof. Yunus reiterated the Interim Government’s commitment to implementing essential reforms ahead of the national elections. He hinted that an announcement regarding the reform and election process would be made later this month.
“We are working on reforms necessary to avoid repeating old problems. The Election Reform Commission’s recommendations will guide us in shaping a fair electoral process,” said Prof. Yunus, underscoring the importance of a "new Bangladesh" driven by fresh policies and institutional frameworks.
EU Support for Democratic Transition
Ambassador Michael Miller, the EU’s Head of Delegation to Bangladesh, expressed support for the Interim Government’s efforts towards a "peaceful and inclusive" transition founded on democratic values, good governance, and human rights.
“The EU highly values its dialogue and cooperation with Bangladesh. We are committed to supporting the country’s democratic transition in the best way we can,” Ambassador Miller said. He also acknowledged the loss of lives during the tumultuous summer and offered condolences while expressing hope for meaningful reforms.
Miller emphasized that the EU remains eager to expand its partnership with Bangladesh, reflected in ongoing discussions for a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
“We stress the importance of upholding the rule of law, respecting due process, and ensuring fundamental rights,” he added, urging the government to effectively communicate both achievements and challenges.
The meeting saw participation from ambassadors of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and representatives from the Netherlands, alongside EU diplomats based in New Delhi representing Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Cyprus, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, and Romania.
This high-level dialogue underscores the EU's commitment to standing with Bangladesh as it navigates a critical phase of democratic reform and governance.
