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Ireland Pledges Support for BD’s Democratic Transition
Ireland’s Ambassador to Bangladesh and India, Kevin Kelly, has expressed his country’s strong commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s interim government and its efforts to restore democracy. Speaking at a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at his Tejgaon office on Monday, Kelly assured that Ireland would stand fully behind Bangladesh's reform agenda.
"We offer our complete support as you work towards a democratic transition," Kelly stated, emphasizing Ireland's willingness to send a team to assist Bangladesh during this crucial period.
In addition to political support, Kelly highlighted Ireland’s interest in strengthening economic ties with Bangladesh, noting that several Irish brands are eager to import more goods from the country. Both sides discussed ways to expand trade and foster closer economic cooperation.
The 30-minute meeting also covered a range of regional issues, including the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland, which brought lasting peace after centuries of conflict, and the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis. Kelly reiterated Ireland’s ongoing support for the more than one million Rohingya refugees currently sheltered in Bangladesh.
Lamiya Morshed, Senior Secretary and Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs, was also present at the meeting.
Later that day, Kelly met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where discussions focused on trade and development cooperation, Bangladesh's progress in securing GSP+ status, reform initiatives under the interim government, and the Rohingya crisis. They also explored opportunities to increase student exchanges, with a focus on visas for Bangladeshi students wishing to study in Ireland.
Additionally, the Irish Ambassador met with Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam. Throughout his visit, Kelly was accompanied by the Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh, Masud Khan.
On Tuesday, the Ambassador visited the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, further demonstrating Ireland’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh in addressing the crisis.