Italy has expressed its full support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and the July Charter, a reform blueprint aimed at renewing the country’s democratic institutions, Italian Deputy Minister for Defence Matteo Perego di Cremnago said on Tuesday.

The Italian undersecretary made the remarks during a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.

During the meeting, the two sides held wide-ranging discussions on trade and defence cooperation, migration, the upcoming February 12 general elections and referendum, European Union election observation, and the July Charter.

Praising the July Charter, Perego said Italy supports the comprehensive reforms outlined in the document and reaffirmed Rome’s backing of Bangladesh’s democratic transition through the February 12 vote.

Describing the Indo-Pacific as the new centre of global gravity, the Italian deputy minister said Italy is keen to strengthen relations with countries in the region, including Bangladesh, noting the country’s growing economy and the scope for deeper cooperation in the coming days.

He said the Bangladeshi community is integrating well in Italy, while also raising concerns over illegal migration through the Mediterranean route.

Recalling his long-standing ties with Italy, Professor Yunus said that before assuming his current role, he had helped design this year’s Milano–Cortina Winter Olympics as a social business event.

The Chief Adviser stressed the importance of expanding legal migration to developed countries such as Japan and Italy, where populations are ageing rapidly.

Reaffirming his commitment to holding a free, fair, transparent and festive election on February 12, Professor Yunus praised the European Union for deploying a large team of election observers to monitor the polls.

He expressed optimism about strong voter turnout, particularly among young people, noting that many were unable to vote in what he described as “fake elections” during 16 years of rule by a fascist autocratic regime.

Professor Yunus also sought Italy’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and for strengthening cooperation in defence, trade and investment.

National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro were also present at the meeting.