EU announces €68m in aid for Rohingyas

NEWS DESK

EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib has said the European Union is providing €68 million this year for the Rohingya response, including host communities in Bangladesh and for the Myanmar conflict, notably for the people caught in violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

The EU commissioner for equality, preparedness and crisis management made the announcement as she called on Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday.

She said that although this amount exceeds last year’s initial EU contribution, it is still insufficient to prevent a serious deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Rohingya camps due to the growing funding gap.

Yunus reaffirmed his government’s support for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis, calling it a “big issue” for Bangladesh.

“It has continued for years without a solution. There is no expiry date,” he said.

“We are very happy to see you visit Bangladesh. The UN secretary-general is coming. We are trying to draw international attention to the Rohingya crisis,” said Yunus.

The EU Commissioner said the only answer to the crisis is peace.

“We need to remain prepared for all sorts of disasters, including man-made disasters. Such disasters also include disinformation,” she said.

During the hour-long meeting, they also discussed energy connectivity, including hydroelectricity import opportunities from Nepal, flood management, climate change and the interim government’s reform initiatives.

The chief adviser sought EU support for the import of hydroelectricity from Nepal, as it would pave the way for Bangladesh’s transition towards renewable energy and ease off reliance on fossil fuels.

“We talk about renewable energy, and here is the renewable energy. Both Nepal and Bhutan are very keen to sell renewable energy to us,” he said.

The EU commissioner stressed more cooperation in preparedness, disaster management and climate change, including flood control, saying the EU is keen to exchange “good practices” and preparedness strategies with Bangladesh.

Lahbib lauded Yunus’s leadership at this critical juncture for the country.

“You did an extraordinary job at an extraordinary time. My main message is that we are ready to reinforce our cooperation,” said the EU commissioner.

She also reiterated EU support for the reform agenda of the interim government.

“It is a very important strategic window that we are witnessing. We know there is always resistance when you want to change something. So, a lot is needed to be done,” she said.

“We are here beside you,” she further said.

The chief adviser said the interim government is committed to holding a free and fair election, adding that the vote will likely be held by December.