Interim Govt’s agenda to fight corruption would be a ‘key enabler’ to boost trade, investments

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy on Wednesday said interim government‍‍`s agenda to fight corruption would be a "key enabler" to further enhance trade and investments in Bangladesh as many were facing hurdles with customs and investment authority, report agencies.

She said French firms were interested in setting up three solar parks in Bangladesh and installing "lightning arresters" in 15 lightning-prone districts in the country

France is ready to support Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and the Interim Government in their efforts to rebuild the country, the ambassador of France said.

The French envoy made the comments when she paid a courtesy call on the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.

The envoy said French President Emmanuel Macron has invited him to visit France at a convenient time.

She also expressed her condolences at the death of students and people who were killed in the July-August revolution.  

Professor Yunus said the student-led revolution has given the Interim Government an opportunity to rebuild the country like never before.

"It is a big task. But we see it as a big opportunity. If we don‍‍`t use the opportunity, it will be a big failure," the Chief Adviser said.

He said the Interim Government to stay "as short as the people want or as long as they want".

Professor Yunus said he has called for reconciliation in the country, urging the people to see themselves as part of "a big family".

"Sometimes we disagree very strongly. But that does not mean we are enemies," he said.

He said his government is committed to protecting the rights of every citizen. 

"Let‍‍`s establish human rights. Our job is to make the constitution work for us," he said.

Ambassador Masdupuy said France was already working with Bangladesh‍‍`s civil defence forces and was interested in extending expertise to fight corruption, human trafficking, forensic cyber crime, port and airport security and financial crime.

The French envoy said the Alliance Francaise Dhaka would celebrate its 65th anniversary next October and she invited Professor Yunus at the ceremony.

She said France was also preparing a two-week long Bangladesh cultural season in Paris in April 2025.