The Crime Desk: The chief advisor of the interim government to attend the upcoming D-8 summit. Muhammad Yunus has been invited by host country Egypt. On Wednesday (October 30) at the Office of the Chief Adviser in Dhaka, the Ambassador of Egypt, Omar Fahmy, delivered this invitation to Prof. Yunus on behalf of the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.
Ambassador Fahmi said that the heads of government of at least five countries—Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Nigeria—have confirmed their participation in the D-8 conference to be held in Cairo from December 16 to 19. He said an important sideline meeting of the conference will discuss ways to support Palestine against Israeli aggression.
The ambassador also said that the Egyptian government has supported Bangladesh’s interim government in its democratic transition efforts in Bangladesh after the July-August student-led popular uprising.
Professor Yunus welcomed this support and expressed hope that Egypt and Bangladesh will work hand in hand in international forums such as the OIC and D-8.
The chief adviser said that he would seriously consider participating in the D-8 conference in Egypt.
Ambassador Fahmi expressed hope that the business representatives of Bangladesh will also visit Egypt during the D-8 conference. He said Egypt wants to benefit from Bangladesh’s experience in the garment and pharmaceutical industry and is keen to learn about jute cultivation.
He also mentioned that the agreement and memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries on agriculture, textiles, and pharmaceutical industries should be expedited.
The ambassador confirmed that Egypt will support Bangladesh’s candidacy for the UN Security Council non-permanent seat in 2031-32.
Egypt’s ambassador seeks Dhaka’s support for Cairo’s bid for the post of UNESCO director general.
The Ambassador emphasized the resumption of Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) between Bangladesh and Egypt.
Note that the first FOC between the two countries was held in 2018. However, the second FOC is scheduled to be held in 2021 but is still postponed.
