The European Union (EU) wants to take the partnership and cooperation with Bangladesh to a new height, said its ambasador said on Thursday (January 18, 2024). Ambassador Charles Whiteley made the remarks while paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban. He also congratulated Hasina on her re-election as the prime minister for fourth consecutive term and the fifth overall. ADB President to PM Hasina: 'Under your leadership in last 15 years, Bangladesh made extraordinary progress in all areas of development' "The existing facilities which Bangladesh is currently getting in various sectors including environment, good governance, renewable energy and transportation under the Global Gateway will be further enhanced in the days to come," PM's Deputy Press Secretary Md. Noorelahi Mina said quoted Whiteley. The ambassador mentioned that the EU had already given Bangladesh 407 million Euro during the recent Global Gateway Forum summit at Brussels in Belgium. The EU envoy promised to continue the facilities given to Bangladesh under EBA (Everything but Arms) facilities. He also pledged to continue the GSP plus facilities to Bangladesh, said the deputy press secretary. Steps taken to purchase commodities in advance for Ramadan: PM The EU ambssador also highly praised the inititives taken by Hasina's government for the development of those with disabilities and the marginalised people. Bangladesh Premier has expressed her satisfaction over the existing relationship between her country and the European Union over the last 50 years. "This relationship between Bangladesh and European Union will be elevated to a new height," she said. The prime minister thanked the EU for continuing support under the EBA and sought greater cooperation in different sectors including renewable energy under the Global Gateway programme. Ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin and PM's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present during the meeting. Read more: Russia proposes wheat export to Bangladesh, discusses bilateral trade expansion

The European Union (EU) on Tuesday (January 09, 2024) said it will continue to work with the government of Bangladesh on the priorities that characterise their longstanding relations in the political, human rights, trade and development spheres including the country’s possible future access to the GSP+ preferential trade scheme. "The EU strongly encourages all stakeholders to respect political pluralism, democratic values and international human rights standards and to engage in peaceful dialogue," reads the statement issued from Brussels. It is essential that the media, civil society and political parties can carry out their work without censorship or fear of reprisals, said the EU. Read more: Commonwealth SG congratulates PM The statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the parliamentary elections has taken note of the outcome of the Parliamentary elections, which were held in Bangladesh last Sunday. It reiterated that the long-term EU-Bangladesh partnership is underpinned by the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The EU regretted that not all major parties participated in this election. The EU welcomed the agreement of the authorities to make public the upcoming report and recommendations of the EU Election Expert Mission. Read more: Happy with people’s verdict; no reason to worry about US, UK statements: Foreign Minister "In the same spirit of transparency and accountability, we call upon the relevant authorities to ensure a timely and full investigation of all reported election irregularities," the statement reads. The EU condemned the acts of violence that occurred during the electoral period and urges everybody to refrain from violence in the post-election period. "It is also key that the rule of law, judicial independence, due process and the right to peaceful assembly are respected and upheld in this period and beyond. In this regard, detention of opposition figures is highly concerning," reads the statement. Read more: Scottish MP congratulates PM Hasina on re-election, praises election process