The European Union (EU) will provide 68 million Euros this year for the Rohingyas and the host community in Cox’s Bazar.
European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib met with Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday and declared this with further assurance of imposing political and economic pressure on Myanmar.
She appreciated the Bangladesh initiative in organizing the high-level conference on Rohingyas, to be held in New York in October 2025.
The Commissioner expressed strong support of the EU to the interim government of Bangladesh and its reform initiatives, saying that it is a pivotal moment in the history of Bangladesh that needs new partnership, new cooperation.
She shared her first-hand experience of visiting Rohingya Camps in Cox’s Bazar and lauded the generosity of Bangladesh in hosting the forcibly displaced Rohingyas.
The Foreign Adviser said that the relation of Bangladesh with the EU is intense.
He thanked the Commissioner for her visit to Bangladesh and expressed deep concern over the current political landscape in Myanmar and its subsequent implications on the Rohingya crisis and regional security.
While emphasizing that the ultimate solution lies in the return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar, the Adviser called for actions by the international community in realizing so.
EU supports interim govt’s reform ambition: Hadja Lahbib
Sharing experiences of unusual natural catastrophes both in Europe and Bangladesh, both sides acknowledged the need for intensifying collaboration in disaster management and preparedness in a sustainable manner through sharing expertise and information.
Appreciating the EU support and highlighting Bangladesh’s expertise in disaster management, the Foreign Adviser requested continued technical and financial assistance from the EU for further improvement.
Talking reporters at the MoFA, the European Commissioner said the EU is ready to continue supporting Bangladesh's reform efforts as part of the "peaceful and inclusive" transition.
“I would like to start with one very clear message --Bangladesh can count on the European Union (EU). We are a reliable partner. The EU is ready to continue supporting Bangladesh reform efforts as part of the peaceful and inclusive transition underpinned by good governance, democratic values, and respect for human rights,” she said.
Highlighting the importance of enhanced engagements, Lahbib said the EU is willing to reinforce the partnership and good cooperation in trade, development, disaster preparedness, and other areas of mutual interests.
Earlier, Commissioner Lahbib called on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and visited the Rohingya Camps in Cox’s Bazar. She left Dhaka on Monday night.