Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted Bangladesh Awami League’s struggles to restore democracy in Bangladesh and creating an environment conducive for free and fair elections during a discussion with European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen. She also spoke about establishing an independent Election Commission, photo ID/biometric information-based voter list, and transparent ballot boxes. The issues were discussed when the European Commissioner for International Partnerships called on the prime minister at her hotel suite in Brussels. Also read: PM Hasina asks EU to extend GSP+ facilities for 6yrs to graduating LDCs like Bangladesh Urpilainen hoped that the upcoming general election in Bangladesh would be held in a free and fair environment, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. The European Commissioner lauded the celebration of 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-EU partnership and expressed EU’s commitment to further deepen this relationship. Urpilainen also underscored potential areas of cooperation in energy transition, digital infrastructure, transport corridors, human capital development and decent work. Hasina thanked the EU for its continued support to Bangladesh’s socio-economic development, particularly in green transition, education and skill development. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, among others, were present at the discussion. Also read: Bangladesh can support EU’s efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines: PM tells EIB President Bangladesh can support EU’s efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines: PM tells EIB President In a separate meeting, PM Hasina sought support of the international community, including the European Union (EU), for an “early, safe and sustainable” repatriation of the forcibly-displaced Rohingyas. The prime minister said the repatriation of the Rohingyas, temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh, to their homeland, Myanmar, is required for the sake of “peace and stability” in the region. The issue was discussed when European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic met Prime Minister Hasina at her hotel suite in Brussels on October 25. The PM thanked the EU for its continued support to Bangladesh’s disaster management, particularly in earthquake preparedness. During the meeting, the European Commissioner lauded Bangladesh’s outstanding socio-economic development under the leadership of Hasina. Also read: ‘Dear PM Hasina, 50th anniversary of EU-Bangladesh relations is the occasion to take our partnership to the next level’ He also lauded Bangladesh’s success in disaster management, including an early-warning system, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. He commended Bangladesh for its generous hosting of the Rohingyas and announced an additional Euro 10.5 million assistance for the Rohingyas. Efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines On the other hand, European Investment Bank (EIB) President Dr Werner Hoyer appreciated the use of Euro 1 billion loan portfolio for Bangladesh since 2000 in areas of shared priorities. He noted, in particular, progress in projects – under implementation – under water treatment and rail link upgradation. PM Hasina held a meeting with the European Investment Bank (EIB) president recently at her hotel suite in Brussels. She referred to the achievements made so far in ensuring safe water and sanitation for nearly 97 percent of the population in Bangladesh. She requested EIB to consider supporting river dredging, water conservation, and surface irrigation. PM Hasina also mentioned the initiatives taken by her government to develop dual-track railway, to promote cost-effective passenger and container traffic.