Dhaka, Dec 09 (V7N) – Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus today called on European Union (EU) member states to shift their visa centers from New Delhi to Dhaka or a neighboring country.

During a meeting with EU diplomats at his Tejgaon office, Prof. Yunus highlighted the difficulties faced by Bangladeshi students due to India’s restrictions on visas. "Many students cannot travel to Delhi to obtain visas for Europe, causing uncertainty about their education. Relocating visa offices to Dhaka or nearby countries will benefit both Bangladesh and the EU," he stated, according to the CA's press wing.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain added that Bulgaria has already moved its visa center for Bangladeshis to Indonesia and Vietnam and urged other countries to adopt similar measures.

A 19-member EU delegation, led by Michael Miller, ambassador and head of the EU delegation to Bangladesh, attended the meeting.

Prof. Yunus also addressed election reforms during the interactive session. He emphasized the importance of completing necessary reforms before elections to avoid recurring issues. He noted, "If elections are held now, they will follow old patterns, and the same problems will resurface."

Highlighting the interim government's dual responsibilities of organizing elections and implementing reforms, Prof. Yunus revealed that reports from 15 commissions are expected by mid-January. "Once reforms are in place, we will be ready for elections. This is the path we are on," he assured.

At the outset, Prof. Yunus reflected on the significance of December as a month of victory for Bangladesh, expressing gratitude for the EU's political, economic, and moral support. He underscored the nation's unity despite ongoing misinformation campaigns.

The meeting included several EU ambassadors and representatives, including Christian Brix Møller (Denmark), Marie Masdupuy (France), Achim Tröster (Germany), Antonio Alessandro (Italy), and others from New Delhi missions.

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