Dhaka, Sep 19 (V7N) – The newly appointed Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh, Boris van Bommel, paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Thursday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a wide range of issues including strengthening bilateral relations, the upcoming national elections, trade and agriculture, and the Rohingya humanitarian crisis.

Professor Yunus informed the Ambassador that preparations are underway to hold the next parliamentary elections in the first half of February 2026. He emphasized that the interim government has taken various measures to ensure the polls are free, fair, and peaceful.

Ambassador Bommel reiterated his country’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition. He noted that a European Union pre-election observation team is arriving in Bangladesh this week, with the Netherlands actively supporting the mission.

Water management was also highlighted as an area of cooperation. Professor Yunus acknowledged Bangladesh’s long-standing benefits from Dutch expertise in flood control and coastal lowland protection. “We have a lot in common,” he said. “By sharing experiences, we can build and learn together.”

The Dutch envoy also expressed interest in Bangladesh’s recent development gains, particularly in social business and microfinance initiatives.

On the humanitarian front, Professor Yunus sought additional Dutch assistance for the more than one million Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, warning that relief efforts are under threat due to a global funding crisis. He further informed the Ambassador that a high-level international conference on the Rohingya crisis will be held in New York on September 30, during the UN General Assembly session, with the hope of mobilizing global support.

Ambassador Bommel acknowledged the importance of the issue, though noting that international attention has been divided by ongoing geopolitical conflicts.

Senior Secretary and Principal Coordinator for SDGs Lamia Morshed was also present during the meeting.

END/SMA/AJ