French Envoy Meets Foreign Adviser, Offers Reform Support

French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy made her first courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday, presenting a congratulatory message from Stéphane Séjourné, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, Ambassador Masdupuy highlighted the growing interest of French companies in doing business and investing in Bangladesh, citing improvements in the business environment and positive changes under the interim government.

She offered France’s technical, legal, and institutional support for the interim government's reform agenda, particularly in areas such as anti-corruption efforts, governance reforms, and financial system overhauls, according to a press release.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain welcomed France’s interest in supporting Bangladesh’s reform initiatives, stressing the interim government's commitment to enacting visible and sustainable reforms to enhance business, foreign direct investment, and improvements in labour rights and human rights.

Responding to concerns raised by the French ambassador, Hossain reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling to Europe. On the Rohingya issue, he emphasized the importance of international pressure on Myanmar to ensure the safe and dignified return of Rohingya refugees to their homeland.