‘EU envoy hopes for better Bangladesh’

Staff Reporter :

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, has expressed the hope that Bangladesh will soon return to democratic governance through a free, fair, and credible national election.

The EU envoy shared this sentiment during a meeting on Thursday with BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan. BNP Organising Secretary Shama Obaed was also present at the meeting.

Speaking to reporters after the discussion, Khosru said, “The primary topic of conversation was the upcoming election. With the polls scheduled for February, there is a sense of relief and optimism that the country is on course to restoring democratic order.”

He added that, like other international partners, the EU is waiting to engage with an elected government before determining its future course of action, including both short- and long-term decisions. “They feel more confident and comfortable working with a government that has a democratic mandate,” Khosru noted.

The meeting also touched on the state of workers’ rights and labor issues in Bangladesh, he said.
Khosru said that the EU expressed interest in supporting a future parliament that operates independently, effectively, and with full accountability.

Discussions also included the judiciary’s independence and transparency. “They back the BNP’s proposal to establish a separate secretariat to ensure the judiciary’s autonomous functioning and have shown willingness to provide funding for it,” he added.

He further said the European Union wants to remain a key development partner for Bangladesh in the future.

“In addition to their traditional aid and loan programs, they are exploring new funding mechanisms. Their intention is to work closely with the next government and support Bangladesh’s economic progress – which is indeed a promising sign,” Khosru added.