Dhaka, Nov 18 (V7N) – The Commonwealth has pledged its support to Bangladesh's interim government in building a "discrimination-free, inclusive, and prosperous" society, stated Commonwealth Assistant Secretary-General Prof Luis Gabriel Franceschi during his visit to the country.

Leading a high-level delegation, Franceschi met with Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday at the foreign ministry, according to a press release issued on Monday. Franceschi is on a four-day trip to Bangladesh to engage with various officials of the interim government.

The Commonwealth official praised the interim government’s democratic reform initiatives, including improvements in the electoral process, and assured the organization’s full backing.

Addressing the Rohingya crisis, Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain called for greater international collaboration, emphasizing, “Bangladesh alone cannot resolve this issue. The only sustainable solution lies in the dignified and safe repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.” Franceschi reaffirmed the Commonwealth's commitment to supporting efforts to resolve the crisis and ensuring continued humanitarian assistance for the displaced population.

Hossain also recounted the recent student-led mass movement that dismantled autocratic rule, enabling a path toward democratic restoration. He outlined the interim government’s reforms aimed at facilitating an inclusive democratic transition and urged the Commonwealth to maintain its support for these initiatives.

During a separate meeting, Franceschi met Social Welfare Adviser Sharmeen Murshid, who highlighted the interim government’s broad public support and discussed rehabilitation plans for those injured in the mass movement. She sought Commonwealth assistance for counseling, skill development, and therapeutic programs.

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