Ambassador Michael Miller
EU eyes right process towards Bangladesh polls; also mindful of rule of law
Acknowledging the broader support and popularity of the interim government, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Michael Miller has said there has to be democratic elections at the end of the process, leading to a new parliament and a government with people’s mandate staying mindful of the “rule of law and respect” for fundamental rights.
“For us, these are principles that are at the core of the relationship between the European Union and Bangladesh,” the Head of the EU Delegation told UNB in his first interview after his arrival in Dhaka, noting that the ambition is “sky high” while the changes are always “difficult”.
The Bangladesh-EU partnership is seen as fast-evolving and dynamic; and last year, two sides celebrated 50 years of relations.
Ambassador Miller said the popularity of the Chief Adviser and interim government is very clear and the sense of common support across party lines is really very strong.
He said it is a difficult moment and perhaps not everything - not all reforms - can happen all at once but there has to be delivery of some “quick wins”.
Ambassador Miller said the government has to demonstrate that it is able to take forward reforms. “The ambition is sky high. The pressure from the street is extremely strong and somewhere here there has to be delivery of some quick wins which can still be structural in nature.”
1 month ago