Commonwealth pledges support for Bangladesh's reform initiatives

Commonwealth Assistant Secretary-General Prof Luis Gabriel Franceschi has reiterated the Commonwealth's commitment to collaborating with Bangladesh's interim government to establish a "discrimination-free, inclusive, and prosperous" society.

The promise was made when a high-level Commonwealth delegation, led by Franceschi, met Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry on Sunday, the ministry said in a press release on Monday.

Franceschi is on a four-day visit to Bangladesh to hold discussions with various dignitaries of the interim government.

He lauded the interim government's efforts towards democratic reform and assured full support from the Commonwealth for ongoing reform initiatives, including those focused on electoral process improvements.

The foreign adviser sought stronger international support to address the Rohingya crisis. "Bangladesh alone cannot solve this issue. The only viable solution lies in the safe and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar, with dignity and rights," he stressed.

The senior Commonwealth official expressed the organization's continued support in resolving the crisis and underscored the importance of sustained humanitarian assistance for the displaced Rohingya population.

During the discussion, the foreign adviser highlighted the historic student-led mass movement that dismantled autocratic rule, paving the way for democratic restoration in Bangladesh.

He also outlined the interim government's reform measures to ensure a smooth and inclusive democratic transition, aimed at preventing a return to past challenges.

Touhid emphasized that the interim government reflects the aspirations of Bangladesh's youth and urged the Commonwealth's continued support for reform efforts.

Franceschi also met Social Welfare Adviser Sharmeen Murshid, who highlighted the strength of the interim government, noting its broad public support.

She briefed the delegation on the plan for the injured mass and sought support from the Commonwealth for counselling, re-teaching and therapies. 

Source: BSS