EU pledges strong strategic partnership with Bangladesh, backs reforms and free polls
"We are investing in your democracy as you buck the trend of democratic backsliding and as you prepare for your first free and fair elections in decades," said EU Ambassador Michael Miller
The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to a "robust and strategic partnership" with Bangladesh, linking future cooperation to democratic reforms, fair elections and deeper economic engagement.
Speaking at the Bay of Bengal Conference 2025 today (22 November), EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation Michael Miller said the bloc considers its relationship with Bangladesh a "strategic choice" founded on shared interests and values, particularly as the country navigates political transition and prepares for national elections.
"We are investing in your democracy as you buck the trend of democratic backsliding and as you prepare for your first free and fair elections in decades," Miller said, announcing that the EU is preparing to deploy its largest-ever election observation mission to Bangladesh.
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He highlighted the EU's role as the world's largest development contributor, providing over 30% of global humanitarian aid and 43% of Official Development Assistance, despite representing less than 15% of global GDP.
Miller confirmed that negotiations on a new, upgraded Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with Bangladesh are nearing completion, describing it as a framework that will expand cooperation beyond trade to areas including governance, security, climate and labour standards.
The ambassador noted that preferential access to the EU market has been instrumental in the growth of Bangladesh's garment sector over the past 25 years, supporting poverty reduction and the country's progress toward LDC graduation.
He also pointed to the EU's Global Gateway initiative as a key avenue for boosting foreign direct investment in Bangladesh, provided that European businesses receive a level playing field.
Miller urged the next elected administration to build on reforms initiated by the interim government — including digital governance, anti-corruption measures, labour rights and judicial independence — to secure long-term stability and investor confidence.
"The only way to avoid a world where might makes right is through a rules-based international order," he said, stressing the EU's continued commitment to multilateralism in the Indo-Pacific region.
