EU committed to help Bangladesh to hold free, fair polls: Ambassador
The interim government must complete its reform agenda swiftly based on political consensus, he said.
The European Union (EU) remains committed to supporting the interim government to ensure a free, fair, and participatory election in February, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller has said.
"We are looking forward to working with the next government elected by the people of Bangladesh," he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital yesterday (15 September).
The envoy said the upcoming election marks a critical moment for Bangladesh's political transition. The interim government must complete its reform agenda swiftly based on political consensus, he added.
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The discussion, organised by the Association of Former Ambassadors (AOFA), focused on Bangladesh-EU relations. AOFA President Abdullah Al Hasan presided over the session.
On stability and investment, the ambassador underlined that European investors are keen to invest in Bangladesh but emphasised that stability and security of investment are prerequisites.
Speaking about Bangladesh-EU ties, he said, "The foundation of our bilateral relations is human rights, development, democracy, and freedom of expression. In the future, we will continue to work more strongly on these issues."
The envoy further noted that the EU always supports legal migration from Bangladesh and looks for significant potential in skilled and semi-skilled labour exports.
On cooperation in the security sector, Miller said the EU has been assisting Bangladesh in strengthening the capacity of the Coast Guard. Further collaboration in the military sector is also necessary, he added.
Reaffirming EU's support to resolve the Rohingya crisis, he said, "Repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar is the only solution. But it must be voluntary and take place in a peaceful environment."
