EU assures that it would stand by Bangladesh with increased assistance going forward
A delegation of EU holds a meeting with BNP leaders at the party’s Gulshan office on 6 January 2025. Photo: BNP Media Cell
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A delegation of EU holds a meeting with BNP leaders at the party’s Gulshan office on 6 January 2025. Photo: BNP Media Cell
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed hope that the European Union (EU) will play a more active role in supporting Bangladesh’s development in the coming days, ensuring benefits reach the country’s people.
The remarks came during a meeting with an EU delegation led by EU Ambassador Michael Miller at the party’s Gulshan office this evening (6 January), BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan told reporters after the meeting.
In response, the EU representatives assured that they would stand by Bangladesh with increased assistance going forward, he added.
Nazrul described the discussion as fruitful, covering the expected conduct of the elections, BNP’s role, and post-election development plans for Bangladesh.
Quoting Tarique, Nazrul said, “BNP aims for a peaceful, free, and fair election on the scheduled date. The people of Bangladesh have long been deprived of their right to vote. They are eagerly waiting to cast their votes peacefully and express their wishes and aspirations through the ballot.”
Nazrul also mentioned that the EU inquired about future plans for labour welfare. “The acting chairman highlighted that BNP has played a crucial role in promoting labour rights, including during the tenure of Khaleda Zia, through labour courts, the Labour Welfare Foundation, and legislative reforms for workers’ welfare,” he said.
Regarding election observation, Nazrul noted that the EU plans to send a large team of observers nationwide.
“Their presence will enhance the credibility of the elections, especially since in previous elections the EU did not send observers. We believe their participation shows support for a fair and peaceful election and future government cooperation,” he added.
BNP participants at the meeting included Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Chairperson’s Adviser Ismail Zabihullah, Joint Secretary General and Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, and Acting Chairman’s Adviser Mahdi Amin.
The EU delegation included Paola Pampaloni, deputy director for Asia and the Pacific; Monika Bylaite, sub-regional head for South Asia, and Legal Adviser Rastislav Spak.