United News of Bangladesh

Outgoing Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands André Carstens has commended Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus for his leadership over the past year, particularly in steering Bangladesh through a transitional period following the ouster of the previous regime. ‘July Charter’ a historic achievement; it's now at final stage: Prof Yunus Carstens, who has been Charge D’Affaires of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh since 2025, paid a farewell visit to the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday. He highlighted Yunus' efforts in fostering democratic reforms and national unity. "People will remember you," Carstens said. Carstens also praised the recently unveiled ‘July Declaration’, describing it as a pivotal step in ‘bridging’ the nation's historical context with the aspirations of the July mass uprising, , said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. The envoy referred to the Chief Adviser's announcement of the election timeline as ‘perfect’, indicating it sets the country on a path toward general elections. They discussed the ongoing Rohingya crisis and the forthcoming international conference on the issue, scheduled to be held in September. The conference aims to address the humanitarian and political challenges faced by the Rohingya refugees. In a gesture of solidarity, Carstens presented Prof Yunus with lyrics that he wrote celebrating the spirit of the July uprising led by Bangladesh's Gen-Z. The lyrics, which Carstens put to music originally written by George Harrison for the song ‘Bangladesh’, recorded and accompanied by a video, was shared during the meeting. "Bangladesh, Bangladesh Full of friendly people, doing fine Revolution paved the way For to say they want to say Not just a fairy tale, a holy grail For all the people of Bangladesh," he writes. "Bangladesh, Bangladesh Such a resurrection- the Gulf of Bengal Revolution paved the way After many years astray Gen Z showed the way Turned a nightmare into a day," he writes. Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed were also present during the meeting.

Newly appointed Ambassador of Netherlands to Bangladesh Anne Gerard van Leeuwenhas praised the progress made by the RMG industry of Bangladesh and expressed interests in cooperation and collaboration for the development of the industry. The Ambassador paid a courtesy call on BGMEA President Faruque Hassan on Sunday and discussed various issues of the sector.  BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Vice President Miran Ali and Director Md. Mohiuddin Rubel were also present during the meeting held at BGMEA PR office in Gulshan, Dhaka.  Also read: Dutch envoy lauds RMG industry's progress in Bangladesh They had discussions about the current situation of the readymade garment industry of Bangladesh, especially how the industry has faced the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the way it is turning around.  They discussion also encompassed potential areas of further collaboration between Bangladesh and Netherlands for the betterment of the Bangladesh RMG industry.  BGMEA President also highlighted the industry’s progress in the areas of workplace safety, social and environmental sustainability, including how participating garment factories under the Partnership for Cleaner Textile (PaCT) program have reduced their water footprint. PaCT is financially supported by the Netherlands government.  He apprised the envoy of the future priorities of Bangladesh apparel industry, especially more focus on diversification in products, market and innovation in product development and process optimization.  Faruque Hassan sought support of the Government of Netherlands through extension of transition period for smoother graduation from LDC.  Also read: Govt's crucial support helped RMG industry make a turnaround: BGMEA chief He also requested the Netherlands government to extend cooperation for the development of knowledge and professional skills of Bangladeshi students through exchange programs in collaboration with universities in the Netherlands.