Home Minister, EU ambassador discuss on reform, cooperation

During the meeting of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh, Michael Miller both sides detailed discussions on a range of key issues, including police reform, cooperation in the security sector, migration management, judicial independence, anti-corruption strategies, trade cooperation, and other matters of mutual interest.

Yesterday (Monday) Michael Miller paid a courtesy call to Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at his office at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Bangladesh Secretariat, according to a press release of the Home Ministry. At the outset, the Home Minister welcomed the EU Ambassador, while Miller congratulated him on assuming his new portfolio.

Ambassador Miller described the European Union as a trusted and longstanding development partner of Bangladesh and expressed interest in further strengthening and expanding existing cooperation during the current government’s tenure.

Speaking about police reform, the minister said Bangladesh is planning to establish a Police Commission and noted that the EU could assist by providing consultancy services. 

He added that the EU has shown interest in supporting the restructuring and modernization of Bangladesh Police through training, capacity building, and exchange of expertise. Regarding judicial independence, the EU Ambassador said Bangladesh could benefit from the long-standing experience of EU countries in ensuring an independent judiciary. 

In response, the minister reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment to ensuring full independence of the judiciary. Highlighting the importance of anti-corruption efforts, Ambassador Miller stressed the need for a well-defined and robust anti-corruption strategy in Bangladesh and assured that the EU is ready to provide all necessary technical and strategic support. 
The minister agreed with the proposal and instructed relevant officials to quickly identify specific areas of cooperation and maintain regular communication with the EU. Additional Secretary (Political) Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary (Political-1) Rebeka Khan, and members of the EU delegation were also present at the meeting.