Newly appointed Dutch Ambassador Boris van Bommel paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. During the meeting, Yunus confirmed preparations for holding national elections in early February, ensuring they are free, fair, and peaceful.

Ambassador van Bommel reaffirmed the Netherlands’ support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition, noting that an EU pre-election observation mission is set to arrive this week.

Yunus also highlighted Bangladesh’s gains from Dutch expertise in flood management and coastal protection. The ambassador expressed interest in Bangladesh’s progress in social business and microfinance. Yunus further urged enhanced Dutch assistance for over one million Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, stressing that the upcoming UN conference must mobilize global support for humanitarian relief.