Vice-President of the European Parliament Nicola Beer has met Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her hotel suite in Brussels recently. During the meeting, both sides underscored the urgency to end conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Also read: PM Hasina highlights AL’s struggles to restore democracy in Bangladesh during discussion with European Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen The Prime Minister stated Bangladesh’s position against wars anywhere in the world, highlighting that women and children suffer the most in wars and conflicts. The European Parliament’s Vice-President underscored closer cooperation between the European Parliament and Bangladesh Parliament, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (October 26, 2023). Also read: Bangladesh can support EU’s efforts to diversify production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines: PM tells EIB President Both sides also discussed women’s empowerment, particularly in politics, education and workforce.

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan has briefed the visiting European Parliament's delegation members about the current situation of Bangladesh’s RMG industry, including its strides in the areas of workplace safety, environmental sustainability and workers’ rights and welfare. He also apprised them about the sustainable strategic vision of BGMEA unveiled recently with an aim to accelerate the growth of the RMG industry in a manner that is sustainable and positively impacts the economy, the environment and the lives of peoples. Faruque Hassan apprised them that the apparel industry is aligned with the government in implementing the road map developed by the government in collaboration with ILO to further improve in labor rights and welfare issues. Also read: BGMEA unveils new vision He said Bangladesh and the European Union have long been sharing friendly relationship which has grown stronger over times. Expressing thanks to the European Union for its support for the betterment of Bangladesh's apparel industry, Faruque Hassan hoped the EU will continue providing its support and cooperation to Bangladesh in the coming days, especially in the post-LDC era. The delegation of European Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA) headed by Heidi Hautala, Chair, INTA delegation to Bangladesh, met with leaders of BGMEA in the city on Monday. The delegation included Members of the European Parliament -- Jose Manuel GARCIA-MARGALLO, Sven SIMON, Agnes JONGERIUS, Jordi CANAS PEREZ, and Maximilian KRAH. Martti KALAUS, Head of Unit, INTA Committee and Gabriel ALVAREZ RECARTE, Administrator, INTA Committee were also in the delegation. Also read: Envoy urges BGMEA to consider setting up joint ventures in Egypt Charles Whiteley, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh was also present at the meeting. BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali, Vice President (Finance) Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Vice President Md. Nasir Uddin, Directors Haroon Ar Rashid, Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan, Executive President of BKMEA Mohammad Hatem, Vice President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, Vice President Md. Akhter Hossain Apurbo and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on ILO issue ANM Saifuddin were also present at the meeting.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday expressed deepest condolence at the  demise of European Parliament President David Sassoli. In a signed letter addressed to Charles Michel, President, European Council, Brussels, Sheikh Hasina recalled that Sassoli was a compassionate journalist and an extraordinary EU Parliament President. Read:PM condoles death of Awami league sub-committee member Gias Uddin She reiterated that Sassoli’s legacy will continue to inspire parliamentary democracies around the world to forge ahead and strengthen cooperation amongst the nations. She expressed her deepest sympathy to the bereaved family members and his loved ones and extended her prayers for eternal peace of his departed soul.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam has urged the European Parliament to remain seized with the Rohingya issue through its various monitoring mechanisms and tools towards facilitating the safe, dignified and voluntary return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.

Dhaka, Sept 21 (UNB) – The European Parliament (EP) has reiterated its call on the UN Security Council (UNSC) to impose a “global comprehensive arms embargo” on Myanmar.