Staff Correspondent
It is encouraging that Bangladesh has appointed a transitional government, led by Muhammad Yunus.
He is perceived as a unifying person in the difficult situation the country is in, says Foreign Minister
Espen Barth Eide. The new transitional government is given the demanding task of preparing for
democratic and free elections.
This is a crossroads for Bangladesh, and I hope that respect for human rights will be a pillar in the
political transitions that are now commencing, says Eide.
Norway would like to see a unifying and inclusive process, with full respect for basic human rights and
the principles of the rule of law.
The student protests have shown that Bangladesh must now listen to its young population and draw
younger groups into the political decision-making bodies, as they are doing by including two student
leaders in the interim government, says Eide.
Following the past few weeks' unrest, it is also important that all atrocities be impartially investigated
and prosecuted, regardless of who committed them.
The situation in Bangladesh is still worrying and unpredictable. Hopefully, the interim government can
contribute to a development in the right direction. We again encourage everyone to remain calm during
this important phase, says Eide.
Norwegian Foreign Minister welcomes interim government
