It became a major setback for the interim government of Bangladesh after France refused the formal request to have a bilateral meeting of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and French President Emmanuel Macron. 

Yunus was all set to attend the conference

According to an ET Report, the interim government was keen on a bilateral meeting with the French president as Yunus was all set to attend the Third United Nations Ocean Conference next month. After the French government refused to hold the meeting on the sidelines of the conference, Yunus cancelled his trip. 

Major setback for Bangladesh

The development is being seen as a major setback for Bangladesh which wants to engage with other countries for a global outreach. 

The Third United Nations Ocean Conference will be held on June 9 in Nice and the French president will host a dinner for the dignitaries and invitees a day before the conference. 

French side cites packed diplomatic schedule

Sources in Bangladesh told the news organisation that several participating countries have requested bilaterals and there was no room to accommodate an additional one. 

French officials conveyed the interim government, saying they are keen on attending Yunus the Ocean conference. 

The interim government of Bangladesh is trying to present a united face before the world, aiming that the nation is stable and integrated despite  the reports of chaos following the dismissal of Sheikh Hasina government last year. 

PM Modi met Chief Advisor of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok On April 4.

“PM Modi reiterated India’s support for democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. He underlined India’s desire to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh. The PM also urged that any rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided,” foreign secretary Vikram Misri had said.