The newly appointed Ambassador of the Netherlands, Boris van Bommel paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna, where they discussed bilateral ties, upcoming general elections, trade, agriculture, and the ongoing Rohingya crisis.

During the meeting, Yunus briefed the Dutch envoy on the Interim Government’s preparations to hold a general election in the first half of February, stressing that steps have been taken to ensure the polls are free, fair and peaceful.

Ambassador van Bommel reaffirmed his country’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition, noting that a European Union pre-election observation team is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka this week, with the Netherlands actively supporting the mission.

The Chief Adviser also highlighted Bangladesh’s collaboration with the Netherlands in water management, recalling how the country has benefitted from Dutch expertise in flood control and coastal protection.

We have a lot in common. There is much we can build together and learn from one another’s experiences, Yunus said during the meeting.

The Dutch envoy expressed interest in Bangladesh’s recent development achievements, including innovations in social business and microcredit.

Yunus sought increased Dutch assistance to support over one million Rohingya refugees currently sheltered in Cox’s Bazar, warning of a serious funding shortfall threatening ongoing humanitarian efforts.

He also informed the ambassador of an upcoming high-level international conference on the Rohingya crisis, scheduled for September 30 on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which he hoped would galvanize support and mobilize critical resources for the camps.

Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, Ambassador van Bommel said the Rohingya issue deserves more international attention, though he pointed out that global focus has been diverted by other geopolitical conflicts.

Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator of the government Lamiya Morshed was present at the meeting.