10/12/2024
9 December, 2024, Dhaka
The EU Delegation to Bangladesh thanks Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus for his invitation to the Ambassadors of the EU Member States and the Ambassador, Head of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh, to meet with him today for an exchange of views at his Office -
this built on the joint initiative to hold such a meeting.
This unprecedented meeting was open, interactive and engaging, passing the message that the EU stands with Bangladesh. It reconfirmed the shared expectation that the EU-Bangladesh partnership will deepen and broaden, building on the launch last month of talks on a new comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
EU participants welcomed the reform ambition of the Interim Government and underlined their readiness to help Bangladesh achieve a successful and inclusive transition, underpinned by human rights, the rule of law and good governance, leading to democratic elections. The transition presents a unique opportunity to take forward reforms, build prosperity and promote opportunity. The role of youth was vocally recognised. The EU confirmed that it will use its resources to help Bangladesh deliver in line with the expectations of its citizens.
The meeting provided an opportunity to recall the importance of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of media, the rule of law, gender equality, the fight against corruption, climate action, energy transition and connectivity, migration, foreign and regional policy issues and cooperation in multilateral fora. The EU recognised the key role of Bangladesh in hosting more than a million Rohingya refugees.
On the economy, there is huge potential for more EU Foreign Direct Investment. It was agreed to hold discussions in January on how best to ease the conditions for doing business in Bangladesh, building on the new EuroCham. The EU recalled its offer to boost smart, secure and open links via the Global Gateway strategy and mentioned the January 2025 visit of the Vice-President of the EIB in this respect.