European Investment Bank to boost funds for Bangladesh as it weathers political turmoil

abcnews.go.com:

A senior official of the European Investment Bank says the regional lending agency is keen to double its funding for Bangladesh, but she expressed concern over human rights as the country endures a spell of political turmoil

DHAKA, Bangladesh — A senior official of the European Investment Bank says the regional lending agency is keen to double its funding for Bangladesh, but she expressed concern over human rights as the country endures a spell of political turmoil.

In an interview with The Associated Press, the bank’s Vice President Nicola Beer said the lending arm of the European Union will support reforms initiated by the interim government headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus that has been running the country since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in mass protests in early August.

The 27-nation European Union is the largest destination for Bangladesh’s garment exports, a vital lifeline for millions of the country’s workers that earns the country more than $36 billion a year. The industry employs about 4 million workers, mostly women from rural areas.

Beer said the Luxemburg-based lending agency wants to double its fund portfolio for Bangladesh to 2 billion euros ($2.06 billion) while supporting the South Asian country's democratic transition, rule of law and freedoms of expression.

“Yes, of course, we are focusing on human rights, rule of law and freedom of expression,” she said. “In our discussions we always are very firm on these points that the freedom of expression, freedom of opinion… are very important, and that this and all the following governments have really to make sure that these human and citizens rights are guaranteed.”

Hasina has been in exile in neighboring India