EU diplomats to meet Tarique Rahman on 19 Jan
The meeting is expected to focus on the democratic process as Bangladesh prepares for national elections scheduled for 12 February.
European Union diplomats in Dhaka are expected to meet BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Monday (19 January), several diplomats said last night (15 January).
The meeting is expected to focus on the democratic process as Bangladesh prepares for national elections scheduled for 12 February.
A EU diplomat said the bloc expects a credible, impartial and transparent parliamentary election that results in a representative parliament working in the greater interest of Bangladesh.
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Most EU diplomats have recently returned to Dhaka after annual leave.
According to diplomatic sources, the discussions may also cover human rights, good governance, the law and order situation, protection of minorities, secularism, the business environment, corruption and national reconciliation, with a focus on strengthening democracy and economic development.
EU diplomats are also expected to raise issues related to social, economic, cultural and political engagement with Bangladesh.
They are likely to urge political parties to avoid violence during the upcoming election period.
Brussels is expected to raise trade concerns, as Bangladesh has offered to reduce tariffs on US products while the European Union is seeking similar considerations for its exports.
The United States is Bangladesh's largest market for readymade garments. Bangladesh exported about $8.4 billion in goods to the US in 2024, of which $7.34 billion was garments.
The European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh, or EuroCham, urged the interim government to avoid discrimination against EU companies, said its Chairperson Nuria Lopez.
Lopez said the EU is Bangladesh's largest trading partner, accounting for about half of all exports, with duty-free and quota-free access under the Everything But Arms scheme since 2001.
She said that out of a total €22 billion trade volume in 2024, EU exports accounted for €2 billion, leaving a large trade surplus in Bangladesh's favour. She also said high tariffs and non-tariff barriers affect EU companies doing business in the country.
Meanwhile, newly appointed US Resident Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Thomas Christensen is expected to meet Tarique Rahman soon, a BNP standing committee member said.
Christensen presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin yesterday.
The president expressed hope for stronger relations between Bangladesh and the United States in trade, investment, education and culture. The US envoy said he would work to deepen bilateral ties and sought the president's cooperation in carrying out his duties.
