United News of Bangladesh

The European Union (EU) and its two member states - Spain and the Netherlands - have highlighted Bangladesh's growing potential to become a regional leader in the circular economy and green shipbuilding. As Bangladesh seeks to diversify its economy beyond the readymade garment sector, both sides believe that green manufacturing, recycling, and modern shipbuilding could become key pillars of the country's next chapter of economic growth. Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the EU to Bangladesh Michael Miller, Netherlands' Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel, and Ambassador of Spain to Bangladesh Gabriel Maria Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru witnessed several examples of Bangladesh's industrial transformation during a visit to key industrial facilities. They visited world's largest and most modern cotton recycling plant (Recover), the country's oldest shipbuilding dockyard (Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited, Bangladesh Navy), and one of Bangladesh's largest private shipyards (Karnaphuli Ship Builders Ltd). The Ambassadors said these achievements demonstrate how European technology and market access can combine with Bangladeshi entrepreneurship to produce globally competitive industries. "This is great. The sector holds huge potential. Bangladesh's economy needs to modernise and diversify, and the European Union, together with our member states, wants to be part of your future success story. We are here with an incredibly positive agenda," EU Ambassador Miller told UNB after visiting Karnaphuli Ship Builders Ltd in Narayanganj this week. He highlighted how European capital, expertise, and technology can be matched with Bangladeshi entrepreneurship to make this a future success story. Dutch envoy Bommel said, "We're here to understand and to see, in line with the long-standing relationship that we have. So, for the Netherlands, for our embassy here in Dhaka, collaboration in the maritime sector between the Netherlands and Bangladesh is a priority." He laid emphasis on working together to find innovative solutions for building better ships with improved designs, while also collaborating in the future to green the shipbuilding industry. The Dutch envoy said they are looking forward to strengthening business-to-business, knowledge-to-knowledge, and government-to-government cooperation, and to deepening collaboration with Bangladesh's maritime sector.

Bangladesh and Sweden on Wednesday underscored the importance of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) to enhance bilateral trade. The two sides discussed avenues for diversifying and strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, telecommunication, technology, cybersecurity, skills development, human rights, people-to-people exchange, climate change, and peace and security. The issues were discussed when Director and Head of Department for Asia, the Pacific Region and Latin America at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs Daniel Wolven paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Daniel Wolven congratulated Shama Obaed on her election and assumption of the role as the state minister for foreign affairs. The state minister described Sweden as a trusted and long-standing partner of Bangladesh and appreciated its support for Bangladesh’s socio-economic development, gender equality, and climate resilience. She also outlined various initiatives of the government, including creative economy and provisions in the budget of FY2026-27, for women empowerment and gender equality. Citing the long-standing ties and economic impact of the development cooperation, Daniel Wolven said Sweden will continue its development cooperation to Bangladesh, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

China’s Ministry of Commerce on Friday announced the inclusion of seven European Union (EU) entities on its export control list, citing national security concerns and non-proliferation obligations. Under the decision, export operators are barred from supplying dual-use items to the listed entities, which include FN Herstal, Fabrique Nationale de Herstal; OMNIPOL a.s.; HENSOLDT AG; EXCALIBUR ARMY spol.s.r.o; SPACEKNOW INC., odstepny zavod s.r.o; VZLU AEROSPACE a.s.; and FN Browning. The ministry also said overseas organisations and individuals are prohibited from transferring or providing China-origin dual-use items to these entities, adding that any ongoing related activities must be stopped immediately. Israel and Lebanon agree to extend ceasefire by 3 weeks: Trump Dual-use items refer to goods, technologies or services that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, including in weapons development or delivery systems, according to the statement. A ministry spokesperson said the measures were taken in accordance with China’s relevant laws and regulations. Beijing had also informed the European side through a bilateral export control dialogue mechanism prior to the announcement. The spokesperson said the move targets a small number of EU military-related entities allegedly involved in arms sales to Taiwan or related activities, adding that it would not affect normal trade and economic cooperation between China and the EU. China reiterated that law-abiding European entities need not be concerned, and said it remains committed to safeguarding global industrial and supply chain stability and promoting regional peace.

The supply of Russian oil to Slovakia through the Druzhba pipeline crossing Ukraine has resumed, Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Saková said on Thursday. The flow restarted at 2 a.m. on Thursday after remaining suspended for about three months. Hungary and Slovakia have been in an escalating dispute with Ukraine since Russian oil deliveries to both countries were halted in January. Unlike most European Union members, Hungary and Slovakia still rely heavily on Russian energy supplies. Both countries have accused Ukraine of not repairing damage to the pipeline. Hungary has blocked a large European Union loan intended for war-hit Ukraine, while Slovakia had refused to support new sanctions against Russia until oil supplies resumed.  

The European Union (EU) has sought quick measures to remove non-tariff barriers (NTBs), promoting business confidence and ensuring non-discrimination. “We look for early measures to remove NTBs, promote business confidence and ensure non-discrimination,” said the EU Embassy on Wednesday. EU Ambassadors, led by Ambassador Michael Miller, called on Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and State Minister for Commerce Md Shariful Alam to discuss trade and investment opportunities. Bangladesh can count on the EU, its biggest market by far, to help it modernise and diversify the economy. Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of France Frederic Inza, who was present at the meeting, reaffirmed France’s commitment to strengthening partnership with Bangladesh. Frédéric Inza expressed France’s readiness to work with the new government to create a more conducive environment for European companies to invest. He also emphasised the importance of working together to ensure a level playing field and address future challenges through continued cooperation.

The European Union (EU) on Saturday said they look forward to working with the new government of Bangladesh to ‘intensify’ relations and stand ready to support reforms that are underpinned by respect for democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law.  The European Union welcomes the holding of genuinely competitive parliamentary elections and referendum in Bangladesh in a peaceful atmosphere, said the EU Spokesperson in a statement issued from Brussels, Belgium, stating that the people of Bangladesh have exercised their democratic rights in large numbers. The EU deployed an Election Observation Mission, which presented its preliminary findings in a press conference where it noted that the elections were credible and competently managed, marking a pivotal step towards restoring democratic governance and rule of law. The mission’s final report will be published later this year. “We call on stakeholders to work together to deliver on the constitutional, judicial and other important reforms for which popular support has been expressed in the referendum and note the vital role of the new Parliament in this regard,” said the EU Spokesperson. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman congratulated the people of Bangladesh after his party’s landslide victory in the 13th national election, declaring that ‘we all are free from today’. “This victory belongs to Bangladesh, to democracy and to the pro-democracy people,” Tarique said at his first press conference following the national election, held at a city hotel.  

Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Bangladesh Ivars Ijabs on Saturday described the national election as ‘credible, hugely and genuinely competitive and pluralistic’ but observed that there was lack of proper women's representation. “Parliamentary elections were credible and competently managed, marking a pivotal step towards restoring democratic governance and rule of law,” he told reporters at a city hotel. Ijabs noted that for the first time since 2008, elections were genuinely competitive, conducted under a renewed legal framework that largely accords with international standards and with fundamental freedom broadly respected. He, however, said sporadic, localised political violence and persistent fear of mob attacks, often triggered by manipulated online narratives, harmed the democratic process.    Regarding the voter turnout, Ijabs said this is historically higher and lower and noted that it is shrinking everywhere and it is something concerning for all democracies. He said the limited political space afforded to women undermined their equal participation but the EC worked independently and transparently, maintaining the confidence of stakeholders and upholding the integrity of the polls. “Women candidates were, regrettably, almost absent from these elections,” Ijabs said, noting that only four percent of the contestants were women, with BNP fielding 10 and NCP two candidates, while Jamaat and 30 other parties did not have any, evidencing a ‘clear lack of political will’ to advance women in national politics.    He also highlighted the vital role of citizen observers, fact-checkers, as well as youth and women activists in rebuilding public trust in elections, enhancing transparency, and helping voters to make informed choices. The EU EOM observers noted that the election day was orderly, festive, and calm, while dedicated poll workers managed the opening, voting, and counting efficiently. EU Chief Observer calls twin polls a big day for Bangladesh democracy The presence of party agents at all stages of the process enhanced integrity, while regular updates on results tabulation at the local level by returning officers and by legacy media helped to maintain public confidence. Independent participation of persons with disabilities was not always ensured. The absence of affirmative action measures still leaves indigenous communities and minorities underrepresented in the political arena. "It is time to abandon the old practices that no longer reflect the growing maturity of Bangladesh's democracy and to chart a new course promoting independent institutions, human rights and accountability," said Ijabs. Head of the European Parliament Delegation Tomas Zdechovsky said the country is now entering a new crucial phase. “We urge the new parliament and government, backed by all other state institutions, to implement the approved reforms.” The EU EOM has been present in Bangladesh since the end of 2025 and on election day with 223 international observers, drawn from all EU Member States, as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland, deployed across all 64 administrative districts. The mission will continue to observe the post-election environment and will publish a final report, including recommendations for improving future elections, in the coming months.

Highlighting the importance of a participatory nature of election, Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Bangladesh Ivars Ijabs on Tuesday said the general atmosphere and expectations are very hopeful with a positive electoral environment in place. "We have emphasised the participatory nature of the electoral process which is very much desirable," he told reporters, stressing the importance of inclusion of all communities, minorities and also participation of women in the electoral process. He said most of their interlocutors have emphasised that there should be a new page in the history of Bangladesh and its democracy. "I would say the electoral environment is very positive. The general atmosphere is very hopeful," Ijabs said. He, however, said there are many issues that they have discussed and reiterated that they remain neutral without getting involved in any political process. "We are here not to comment on Bangladesh’s politics. We are here to check and observe the process." In terms of the security situation, the chief observer said their overall perception is that the situation is still under control of the authorities. They deployed 90 short-term observers (STOs) to observe the election day proceedings in all 64 administrative districts of the country. The short-term observers will observe opening of polling centres, voting, closing, as well as counting of the ballots and the tabulation of results. “The short-term observers will be present in cities, towns and villages in almost every constituency. Their observations and reports throughout the day will be a critical element of our impartial and fact-based assessment of these historic elections,” Ijabs told reporters. With a total of 200 observers deployed across the country, he said they are contributing to the transparency of these historic elections. "This large and dedicated mission attests to the European Union’s unwavering commitment to the democratic governance of Bangladesh,” said the chief observer. The deployment of short-term observers builds on the work of 56 long-term observers, who have been in Bangladesh since mid-January, observing the pre-election environment, including preparations by the election administration, campaign activities, voter education efforts, and who have engaged with electoral stakeholders across the political and civil society spectrum. A delegation of Members of the European Parliament is further reinforcing the mission, and 35 locally recruited short-term observers from the diplomatic missions of the EU Member States, as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland are also joining the mission. At full strength, the EU EOM will comprise more than 200 observers, drawn from all 27 EU member states, as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland. The EU EOM will present its preliminary findings in a statement at a press conference, on February 14, in Dhaka. Security, voter participation, level playing field: EU's 3 areas of focus in election A final report, including recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented to the authorities after the completion of the entire electoral process. Both documents will be public and will be made available on the Mission’s website. The EU EOM is bound by a code of conduct, which requires strict neutrality and non-interference. It undertakes its work in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, endorsed under UN auspices in 2005.

The European Union (EU) said it will focus on three key areas while observing Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election. EU election observation mission chief and European Parliament member Ivars Ijabs told journalists at a roundtable meeting at Sylhet District Press Club on Friday that the mission will pay special attention to security, voter participation, and a level playing field for candidates. He said the EU sees this election as an important step in Bangladesh’s history. At the roundtable meeting, chaired by Sylhet District Press Club president Moin Uddin and moderated by general secretary Mohammad Nasir Uddin, Ivars Ijabs said, “We are here to strengthen our political, economic, social, and cultural ties with your beautiful country. In this context, our election observation mission is an important step, and we see this election as a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s history.” He also said, “Our mission follows an internationally recognized method, where our role is only to observe and not to take part in the political process. Because the election is very close, I will not comment on any party’s rule violations or other issues.” Ivars Ijabs added, “We will submit our preliminary report in Dhaka on February 14, immediately after the election, and the full report will be presented two months later.” He said, “The mission officially began one month ago, and our long-term observation team (LTO) has already been monitoring election preparations in Dhaka and other areas.” He added, “Our observers are engaging with local stakeholders, including the election commission, government authorities, candidates, domestic observers, and various NGOs as key partners.” About additional observers from Europe, he said, “Our colleagues Bambi and Christian have been working here for a month, and tomorrow 90 more short-term observers from Europe will join. They will monitor campaigning and vote counting during the final days of the election. This is not only an EU mission; three important partner countries - Switzerland, Norway, and Canada - are also participating.” He said the observers will be spread across different constituencies, cities, and villages in the country. Highlighting the three main areas of focus, he said, “Our observation will focus on three key aspects: how safely and securely citizens can take part in the election, the inclusion of all citizens including women and minority groups, and ensuring equal opportunities for candidates.” Ivars Ijabs also said, “Our core team in Dhaka includes experts such as legal specialists, election analysts, and media analysts. They are monitoring both traditional and social media.” He emphasized that they are not intervening in the process or giving advice to anyone. He explained that organizing elections is primarily the responsibility of Bangladesh’s citizens, and there is no room for outside interference. The EU parliament member added, “We want to maintain a long-term relationship with Bangladesh. In today’s changing world, one of the EU’s priorities is to find democratic and reliable partners globally.” Speaking about trade, he said, “We want to expand trade relations with Bangladesh and invest in green energy and climate change initiatives. Democratic processes are very important in this partnership.”

The European Union has officially designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a “terrorist organisation,” a move praised by EU officials and strongly condemned by Tehran amid rising US-Iran tensions. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that the decision followed a meeting of European foreign ministers, calling the designation “necessary” to hold the regime accountable for its violent suppression of domestic protests. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the action as “long overdue” and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom. Iran reacted sharply. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi termed the EU’s decision a “publicity stunt” and a “strategic mistake,” accusing Europe of selective outrage by ignoring Israeli actions in Gaza while targeting Iran. The Iranian armed forces warned that the move violates international law and could have serious consequences for European policymakers. Tehran also announced planned live-fire naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz next week, signaling readiness for “immediate and powerful” response to any potential attack. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed dialogue and diplomatic engagement to maintain regional peace during a recent phone call. The IRGC, founded after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, operates alongside Iran’s regular military under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, overseeing ballistic missile and nuclear programs, and supporting regional proxy groups. The US first designated the IRGC a foreign terrorist organisation in 2019. Analysts say the EU move intensifies Iran’s already high-stakes geopolitical position, as the country faces growing Western pressure and regional instability.   With inputs from ALJAZEERA