Italy’s Undersecretary for Defence (Deputy Minister for Defence) Matteo Perego di Cremnago has described the Indo-Pacific as the new centre of global gravity, saying Italy is keen to strengthen ties with countries in the region, including Bangladesh, whose growing economy offers scope for charting a common path forward in the coming days.

He said the Bangladeshi community is integrating well in Italy but raised concerns over illegal migration through the Mediterranean route.

Italy expressed its full support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and the July Charter, which aims to introduce sweeping reforms for the country’s democratic renewal, the Italian Deputy Minister said on Tuesday during a courtesy meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.

The two leaders held wide-ranging talks on issues including trade and defence cooperation, migration, the upcoming February 12 general elections and referendum, European Union election observation, and the July Charter, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing.

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

Chief Adviser Prof Yunus recalled his long-standing ties with Italy and said that before assuming his role as interim leader of Bangladesh, he helped design this year’s Milano–Cortina Winter Olympics as a social business event.

Prof Yunus emphasised the importance of expanding legal migration to developed countries such as Japan and Italy, where populations are ageing rapidly.

The Chief Adviser reaffirmed his commitment to holding a free, fair, transparent, and festive election on February 12.

He praised the European Union for deploying a large team of election observers to monitor the polls.

Prof Yunus said he expects a strong voter turnout, noting that many young people were unable to vote in what he described as “fake elections” held during the 16 years of rule by a fascist autocratic regime.p

He 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, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro were also present at the meeting.