EU diplomats to meet Tarique Rahman ahead of polls
European Union diplomats in Dhaka are expected to meet BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Monday, 19 January 2026, and reaffirm their commitment to the democratic process as Bangladesh prepares for the national parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 February 2026, diplomatic sources said.
Several diplomats, speaking to this correspondent at the Nordic Day reception on Thursday night, said the EU expects a credible, impartial, and transparent election that results in a representative parliament working in the broader interest of Bangladesh.
Most EU diplomats have recently returned to Dhaka following their annual leave.
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According to diplomatic sources, the EU delegation is also likely to discuss a range of key issues, including human rights, good governance, restoration of law and order, protection of minority communities, secularism, improvement of the business environment, reduction of corruption, and national reconciliation, with a view to supporting democratic and economic development.
EU diplomats are expected to express interest in strengthening social, economic, cultural, and political engagement with Bangladesh. They are also likely to urge political parties to work collectively to avoid violence during the upcoming election period.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh faces a complex trade situation, as Brussels is expected to press Dhaka to reduce tariffs on European Union products, against the backdrop of Bangladesh's recent offer to reduce tariffs on US goods.
The United States remains the largest export destination for Bangladeshi ready-made garments. In 2024, Bangladesh exported approximately $8.4 billion worth of goods to the US, of which $7.34 billion comprised apparel items.
Separately, the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham) has urged the interim government to avoid discriminatory measures against EU companies, as Bangladesh considers offering significant trade concessions to the United States.
EuroCham Chairperson Nuria Lopez said the EU is Bangladesh's largest and most reliable trading partner, accounting for around half of the country's total exports. Bangladesh has enjoyed duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market under the Everything but Arms scheme since 2001.
She noted that Bangladesh maintains a substantial trade surplus with the EU. Of the total €22 billion in bilateral trade in 2024, EU exports accounted for only €2 billion, resulting in a strongly Bangladesh-favourable trade balance. High tariffs and non-tariff barriers, she said, continue to hinder EU companies' ability to export to, and operate in, Bangladesh.
EuroCham has encouraged the government to reaffirm its commitment to a rules-based trading system and pursue necessary trade and customs reforms, while ensuring fair treatment for all trading partners. The chamber also expressed readiness to support Bangladesh's transition in the post-LDC graduation phase.
Meanwhile, newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent Thomas Christensen, is also expected to meet BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman soon. A BNP standing committee member said such meetings with diplomats have been taking place regularly since 6 January 2026.
Earlier on Thursday, Ambassador Christensen presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban. The President expressed hope that Bangladesh–US relations would deepen further in the areas of trade, investment, education, and culture. The US envoy reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and sought the President's cooperation in carrying out his duties.
