EU commissioner for equality, preparedness and crisis management Hadja Lahbib on Monday said the European Union is with the people of Bangladesh in supporting the reform ambitions of the interim government.

“I am with you and the European Union is with you in supporting the reform ambitions of the interim government. Human rights and democratic values are the cornerstone of the EU-Bangladesh relations,” she said.

 The visiting EU commissioner made the remark at the launching event of a book “Bangladesh 36 July 2024” at Bookworm of Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park in the city’s Gulshan area.

 The EU Mission in Dhaka launched the book with reproduction of street paintings and graffiti that captured the horrors of repression during the July-August demonstration and the public aspirations for a new Bangladesh.

 Hadja Lahbib said Bangladesh can count on EU support. “We are strong and reliable humanitarian development and trading partners. Bangladesh-EU partnership is a strategic choice and cause in our shared values.  You can count on my support and you can count on the support of the European Union.”        

 About the publication, she said their paintings are the world shows that they refused to be silent. “Every painting is a voice speaking out for freedom and against injustice,” she said.

 “Last year we all witnessed the violence against peaceful demonstrations during the July-August uprising,” said the EU Commissioner, adding that she discovered that July didn’t end on the 31st but on the 36th day.

She said the powerful artwork in this book captured the key moments that are parts of the political transition that began on August 5 or July 36. The young people creatively called it (as July 36) to express the determination that July should not end before the political change which was achieved, she added.

“This powerful artwork captured the horror of repression and the hope of a country in transition,” said Hadja Lahbib, noting that there is a tragedy in the streets and also a desire for justice and accountability (reflected in this artwork).

“Through this artwork we celebrate the courage and determination of Bangladeshis. We also celebrate the courage of the people across the globe who stand out every day for human rights,” she said.

EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller delivered the welcome speech at the function.

Later, the EU commissioner, after a meeting in the Foreign Affairs Ministry, told reporters that the EU is ready to continue supporting Bangladeshi reform as part of the peaceful and inclusive transition.

“I would like to extend warm and very clear message --Bangladesh can count on the European Union (EU). We are a reliable partner. The EU is ready to continue supporting Bangladeshi reform as part of the peaceful and inclusive transition underpinned by good governance, democratic values and respect for human rights,” she said.

Hadja Lahbib said the EU is willing to reinforce the partnership in trade, development, disaster preparedness and other areas of mutual interests.