Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Thursday reiterated his government’s plan to hold the national election in early February, declaring it will be the country’s first truly democratic vote in many years.
“For the past 16 years, what we saw was nothing but a spectacle in the name of elections,” he said, adding that he intends to step down from his current position and return to his previous work after the polls.
He also stressed the government’s commitment to countering misinformation and underscored the importance of international partnerships in addressing global challenges. In this context, he highlighted that support from the United Kingdom would be particularly significant.
Yunus made the remarks during a meeting with UK Trade Envoy Baroness Rosie Winterton at State Guesthouse Jamuna. Their discussions covered a broad range of issues, including trade, investment, and future bilateral cooperation.
The talks touched on airport operations, renewable energy initiatives, and Yunus’s recent engagement at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Both sides also discussed Bangladesh’s ongoing democratic transition.
Envoy Winterton praised Bangladesh’s recent steps to streamline business regulations, customs procedures, and revenue systems. She noted the potential for expanded cooperation in sectors like education, aviation, and clean energy.
She also commended Yunus’s leadership at the UNGA, particularly his decision to involve senior political party leaders in the delegation.
The discussion also covered Bangladesh’s plan to acquire the HMS Enterprise, a research and survey vessel, along with potential purchases of offshore patrol vessels from the UK. Officials informed the meeting that the acquisition of HMS Enterprise is expected to be finalised by the year-end.
Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and Director General of the East Europe and CIS Wing Md Mosharaf Hossain, among others, were present at the meeting.
