United News of Bangladesh

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy has expressed optimism that the next national election in Bangladesh will be inclusive with the participation of citizens, noting that the government is getting prepared for holding "free and fair" polls in the country.  "I'm confident that the Election Commission is going to do a great job. That's clearly their intention. So, hopefully, it will be as inclusive as possible," she said while responding to a question.  Talking to a small group journalists, including the UNB correspondent, Ambassador Masdupuy said it (inclusivity) all depends on the way it will be prepared. "Of course, we all know about the banning of the activities of one historical party of Bangladesh," Ambassador Masdupuy said, noting that "until this (political) organisation reforms itself, apologises and some of its leaders being tried, we understand it will be very difficult for them to participate in any election.  So, she added, inclusivity will involve the participation of the citizens and the support for as many political parties, including the small ones and independent parties (candidates). "This will be more inclusive." In May, the government issued a gazette notification banning all activities of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated organisations under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) completes the trial of the party’s leaders and activists. EC moves to amend RPO ahead of general election The Ambassador said they are very happy that the interim government, under the wise leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, has been engaging and committing itself to prepare the scene to hold "free and fair" elections. She said they will support that efforts, including, if possible, by sending international, European observers because it is very important for Bangladesh to have this being dealt with very nicely and peacefully. Fakhrul alleges political plot to derail election using Mitford murder Chief Adviser Prof Yunus has already directed the law-enforcment agencies to complete all preparations by December this year for the upcoming parliamentary elections, likely to be held in February or April next year. On Sunday evening, Ambassador Masdupuy said democracy is about ‘liberty, equality, fraternity and inclusivity’, and noted that the country is now heading towards 'truly democratic elections’ under the ‘wise and remarkable’ leadership of Prof Yunus. “The road is paved with many obstacles but courage and determination will no doubt allow removing them,” she said. Talks on Airbus  Responding to a question on Airbus purchase, Ambassador Masdupuy said the discussions are still going on. "No, it's not stopped." The interim government is considering new purchases of Boeing aircraft from the United States as part of Bangladesh’s strategy to reduce the trade gap and avert the impact of a steep 35 percent tariff imposed by President Donald Trump which will be effective from August 1. "We want a fair and level playing field for everybody. And we think your national carrier needs to have both Airbus and Boeing in its fleet," she said, noting that it will provide the most diverse offer to the passengers of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.  In June, Airbus Executive Vice President Wouter van Wersch called on Chief Adviser Prof Yunus in London and said, “We have identified Bangladesh as a key priority country." Van Wersch said Airbus, which supplies 800 aircraft annually, also has expertise in manufacturing helicopters and fighter jets. Complete preparations by Dec for peaceful election: Prof Yunus to law enforcers Van Wersch said if Bangladesh decides to add Airbus to the Biman fleet, 85 per cent of the funding could be arranged through Export Credit Agency (ECA) financing. Relationship Remains Positive  Ambassador Masdupuy said they are very supportive of the current transition of the interim government, and they are keen to engage more with the government. "So, we understand that we need to be patient because of the review which is being done about many projects," she said, noting that they want to see them being more quickly implemented. "Our relationship is very good. It remains always very positive. We are engaged in all sorts of cooperation with Bangladesh, and we wish to see more," said the French envoy. The Ambassador reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s development and strategic autonomy and announced upcoming cooperation in space technology, helping enhance Bangladesh`s sovereign capacity to monitor climate change through satellite data.

France and Germany have agreed to individually widen their bilateral relations with Bangladesh and assured of standing beside the country on its development journey. Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said this after holding separate meetings with German Ambassador Achim Tröster and French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy at his office in Segunbagicha on Thursday (January 25, 2024). Read: ‘Lobbyist-backed’ statement on Dr Yunus won’t impact FDI, Hasan Mahmud says The two most important European ambassadors discussed issues related to trade and investment, climate change, security cooperation and cooperation in the aviation and education sector. Responding to a question on Bangabandhu Satellite-2, the foreign minister said this is definitely a priority for the government of Bangladesh and hoped that the discussions with France in this regard will see further progress. On purchasing aircraft from the European aviation giants Airbus, the foreign minister said Bangladesh will buy when the country's economy permits. Asked if the decision to buy the planes was final, Hasan Mahmud said such 'final decisions' on purchase are not taken at the Foreign Ministry. The two ambassadors also handed over congratulatory letters from their respective heads of government. Read: BD, UK vow to deepen ties at FM Hasan’s meet with HC Cooke  Both these countries are major development and trade partners of Bangladesh and the ambassadors discussed widening the relations in the coming days, Hasan Mahmud said. Talking to reporters, French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy said France wants to start a new exchange programme for young teachers and students with Bangladesh.

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy has dismissed the claim of a section that ten senior journalists’ visa requests have been refused. The ambassador described the claim as a "lie and disinformation." French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy visits Cosmos Atelier 71 “Sport is essential in life. Some play football, some tennis, others badminton or squash. @ABhuttow’s daily sport is lie and #Disinformation. His latest record can be watched hereunder,” the French ambassador replied to a comment on X (formerly Twitter). An individual named Abdur Rab Bhuttow claimed that 10 “pro-government” senior journalists were refused visa to travel to France.  Boosting cooperation with Bangladesh on political, economic, climate fronts priorities for France: Ambassador Marie Masdupuy Talking to UNB, the French ambassador said this is “totally false.” The journalists did not apply in time, for visa, for an event they were planning to attend, said an official. They will get their visas, though the event will already have taken place, said the official.