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

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — 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 since Aug. 5, when she fled the country. Yunus has promised to hold an election in December of this year or in the first half of 2026, depending on progress in reforms in various sectors.

Yunus is facing criticism over problems with law and order, rising commodity prices, treatment of minority groups and economic woes after many factories were shuttered due to labor protests or poor security. Economic growth fell to only 1.8% percent in the July-September quarter as student-led unrest disrupted business activities, according to a report released earlier this month by the Bureau of Statistics.

Beer said she appreciated reform measures taken by the Yunus-led government.

“This is important from what I hear, especially from entrepreneurs, is that they are applauding this course of reforms, which is now on the table,” she said. “So, we as a bank (will) try to support because this is important for the economy here in Bangladesh, for investors … coming from outside or inside the country.”

In October, the World Bank slashed its forecast for the fiscal year that will end in June to 4%, citing “significant uncertainties following recent political turmoil.”

The European Investment Bank is involved in some major infrastructure development projects, mainly focused on green energy, safe water, communication and climate change.

Beer visited bank-funded projects and met with officials, including Yunus, during her three-day visit to Bangladesh.

She emphasized the importance of working on integrating the region in such areas as electricity grids that could link to hydropower projects in mountainous Nepal, for example.

“I think we should discuss in the region to get more out of this interconnectivity, because this is a win-win situation, a win situation for Bangladesh, a win situation for the smaller neighbors like Bhutan and also Nepal or Myanmar. And it could be also a win situation for India,” she said.

Supporters of Bangladesh's ailing former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia shout slogans before Zia left Dhaka, Bangladesh, to travel to London for medical treatment, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu)

European Investment Bank Vice President Nicola Beer speaks to the Associated Press during an interview in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Al-emrun Garjon)

European Investment Bank Vice President Nicola Beer speaks to the Associated Press during an interview in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Al-emrun Garjon)

European Investment Bank Vice President Nicola Beer speaks to the Associated Press during an interview in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Al-emrun Garjon)

European Investment Bank Vice President Nicola Beer speaks to the Associated Press during an interview in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Al-emrun Garjon)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Rams receiver Demarcus Robinson has been charged with one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol stemming from his arrest in November.

The Rams didn't suspend Robinson after he was arrested in the early morning of Nov. 25, several hours after a Rams home game. Robinson is scheduled to be arraigned in February at a courthouse in Van Nuys, according to Los Angeles County Superior Court's online records.

Robinson was arrested after California Highway Patrol officers observed a white Dodge sedan driving over 100 mph on the 101 freeway in the western San Fernando Valley, a few miles from the Rams’ training complex in Woodland Hills. The driver, who identified himself as Robinson, had “objective signs and symptoms of alcohol impairment,” the CHP said in a statement at the time.

Robinson started all 17 games this season as the Rams' No. 3 receiver. He led the team with seven touchdown receptions while finishing the regular season with 31 catches for a career-high 505 yards.

Robinson was apologetic immediately after his arrest, saying it was “a bad look. I don’t want to bring that type of light, or any type of negative energy, toward the team. Things like that are not natural for me, in my nature, stuff I usually do.”

Robinson, who will be a free agent in the offseason, has never missed the playoffs in his nine-season NFL career with Kansas City, Baltimore and the Rams.

“I think it was a bad decision he made,” Rams coach Sean McVay said after Robinson’s arrest. “I don’t think that makes him a bad person.”

The Rams (10-7) will travel to Arizona after practice Friday to prepare for their wild-card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings (14-3). The game has been moved to State Farm Stadium outside Phoenix in the wake of several days of raging wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

TMZ first reported the charge against Robinson.

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (15) makes a catch past Seattle Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)