EU wants Bangladesh to uphold rule of law, respect fundamental rights

Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller today (9 December) welcomed the interim government's commitment to a "peaceful and inclusive" transition, underpinned by good governance, democratic values and respect for human rights. 
 
"We ask that the government is mindful of the need to uphold rule of law, and respect due process and fundamental rights," he said while speaking at an interactive session with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the Chief Adviser's Office. 
 
"It is particularly important to communicate what you are doing well, and also the challenges you face," the ambassador mentioned.
 
The EU and Bangladesh enjoy already broad relations, said Ambassador Miller, wishing to underline the strong potential for their relationship to grow even further. 

"This is reflected in our recent meetings and in the launch of talks on a new comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement." 

The envoy said the EU highly values their ongoing dialogue and cooperation.
 
He said Bangladesh is embarking on a transition, with the ambition to put in place far reaching reforms following the tumultuous summer and change of government. 
 
"Looking backwards, we offer condolences for the loss of life that accompanied the launch of the transition. Looking forward, the EU is committed to supporting Bangladesh's democratic transition," Ambassador Miller said.
 
He said they are engaging on these issues as a sign of EU support and commitment to stand with Bangladesh and accompany the reform ambitions of the interim government as you prepare for democratic elections.
 
"We emphasise that the EU wishes to continue its dialogue with Bangladesh on human rights at all levels and in all fora," he said.
 
On reforms, the ambassador said they we are closely following the work of the reform commissions and wish to make it clear that they stand ready to support the implementation of relevant recommendations once they are finalised, or even before, including by mobilising funding, assistance and expertise. 
 
"We look to this being an inclusive and transparent process," Miller said.
 
He said they also look to the emergence of specific, prioritised reforms around which there is broad political consensus.
 
The envoy said that the EU is working very closely with the EU member states.
 
"This is known as taking a 'Team Europe' approach, coordinating interventions and making sure they are timely and impactful.  We have many voices, but just one (EU) message," said Ambassador Miller.
 
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain was also present. 
 
The envoys who participated in the meeting are:
 
Christian Brix Møller, Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh; Marie Masdupuy, Ambassador of France to Bangladesh; Achim Tröster, Ambassador of Germany to Bangladesh; Antonio Alessandro, Ambassador of Italy to Bangladesh; Gabriel Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru, Ambassador of Spain to Bangladesh; Nicholas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh; Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh; Andre Carstens, CDA a.i., Embassy of the Netherlands in Dhaka.

Heads/Representatives of EU Missions in New Delhi:
 
Didier VANDERHASSELT, Ambassador of Belgium to Bangladesh; Nikolay Yankov, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Bangladesh; Marje LUUP, Ambassador of Estonia to Bangladesh; Peggy FRANTZEN, Ambassador of Luxembourg to Bangladesh; Róbert Maxián, Ambassador of Slovakia to Bangladesh; Evagoras Vryonides, High Commissioner-designate of Cyprus to Bangladesh; Gabor Szucs, First Secretary, Dhaka Office of the Hungarian Embassy in New Delhi; Jaroslaw Jerzy Groberek, Counsellor, Poland Embassy in New Delhi; Sofia Batalha, Deputy Head of Mission, Portugal Embassy in New Delhi; Irma Šinkovec, First Secretary, Embassy of Slovenia in New Delhi; Ruxandra CIOCANELEA, Second Secretary, Embassy of Romania in New Delhi.