Visiting European Union Commissioner Hadja Lahbib today said that the EU will provide 68 million euro this year for the Rohingya response, including support for host communities in Bangladesh and humanitarian aid for those affected by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine state.
Lahbib, the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, made the announcement during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. Despite the increased funding compared to last year, Lahbib warned that the amount remains insufficient to prevent a significant deterioration of conditions in the Rohingya camps due to a widening funding gap.
Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to addressing the Rohingya crisis, calling it a “major issue” for the country.
“It has been ongoing for years without a solution. There’s no expiry date,” he said.
“We are happy to have you in Bangladesh. The UN Secretary-General is also visiting, and we are working to draw global attention to the crisis.”
The EU Commissioner stressed that peace remains the only viable solution.
“We must stay prepared for all kinds of disasters, including man-made crises like disinformation,” she said.
The hour-long discussion also covered regional energy connectivity, flood management, climate change, and the interim government’s reform initiatives.
Yunus sought EU support for importing hydroelectricity from Nepal, highlighting its potential to aid Bangladesh’s transition to renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
“We talk about renewable energy, and here it is. Both Nepal and Bhutan are eager to sell renewable energy to us,” he said.
Lahbib emphasised the need for greater cooperation in disaster preparedness, climate change mitigation, and flood control, stating that the EU is keen to share best practices with Bangladesh.
She also praised Yunus’s leadership during Bangladesh’s transition.
“You have taken charge at an extraordinary time. Our main message is that we are ready to strengthen our cooperation,” she said, reiterating the EU’s support for the interim government’s reform agenda.
Acknowledging the challenges of implementing reforms, she added, “There is always resistance to change, but much needs to be done. We stand with you.”
Yunus reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to holding a free and fair election.
The vote is likely to take place by December this year, he said.
