The inauguration of the Padma Bridge is going to be an “unforgettable moment” for the country's development, says Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley. In a message on Monday, the EU envoy conveyed warmest congratulations to Bangladesh on the momentous occasion of the opening of the Padma Bridge on the 25th of June.  He said the Padma Bridge will add over 1.2 per cent to the GDP of the country.  Read: Padma Bridge: China lauds PM Hasina’s leadership amid enormous difficulties “We look forward to using the bridge ourselves and to seeing what it does to facilitate people to people, family and commercial links. Congratulations, Bangladesh,” said ambassador Whiteley. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to formally inaugurate the Padma Bridge on June 25.     

Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley on Thursday said he does not see any sign that the recent decision on sanctions is having an impact on European business interest in Bangladesh or their desire to take that business forward.“I would say business is business, and they (businesses) pay attention to whether they can make money in the country and whether there are  attractive business climates. So, I haven't seen any signs yet that these developments would have an impact on business engagement in Bangladesh,” he said.The EU envoy also said businesses pay attention to the overall picture in a country.Ambassador Whiteley said what matters to businesses is to do their business in a “good, clean and fair way” with a level playing field. “I think that's the primary concern. Sometimes, political developments can have an impact on businesses.” Read: It’s done to alert, not to punish: US envoy about sanctionsThe diplomat made the remarks while responding to a question at a programme titled “Meet the Reporters” hosted by the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) at its Nasrul Hamid Auditorium. DRU President Nazrul Islam Mithu and General Secretary Nurul Islam Hasib also spoke at the programme. One of the reporters sought the Ambassador's comments on the letter written by Ivan Stefanec, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) to Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.In reply, Ambassador Whiteley said the fact is that the letter came from an individual MEP, not from the European Parliament as a whole. “It's not coming from the European Union Commission. It's not coming from the European Union Council. I’ve full respect for the rights of individual MEPs to write their letters.”He, however, declined to comment on the allegations about why this letter may have been written. “All I can say is that this is a democratically elected MEP, choosing to highlight what he considers his concerns about Bangladesh with our High Representative.”The Ambassador said that is a perfectly normal procedure when they have a parliament with over 700 MEPs which is engaged on issues around the world. “So, it's not an unusual thing to happen.”The envoy mentioned that it is no surprise that an individual member of European Parliament would write such a letter.“I’ve no information about what you're talking about in terms of who may have supported the writing of that letter. But he's written in his capacity as an individual Member of the European Parliament to our High Representative,” he added. Read: Momen writes to Blinken seeking removal of sanctionsThe Ambassador said when they get a letter it is their practice to always reply to that letter. “So, I'm sure the High Representative will be replying in due course.”He did not comment on the sanctions imposed by the US saying that is a matter for the United States “But of course, we as you know, follow these developments closely. We, as the European Union, conduct our own policy on human rights and have our own engagement. So, I wouldn't comment further on how the US chooses to conduct its foreign policy.”The Ambassador said the EU expressed concerns about several human rights issues in Bangladesh, including an annual Human Rights Report, which is freely available online.The European Parliament itself has adopted resolutions in the past on the human rights situation in Bangladesh, he said, adding that, “I think most recently, in 2018.”

Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley on Monday hosted special children with different abilities at his residence and enjoyed their cultural performances putting emphasis on their inclusion in society.  A new book titled “Amar Nam Runa” (My Name is Runa) was also launched at the event and reading of the book is expected to lead to more inclusive and open society. The book tells the real life story of Runa depicting how she grew up and what are the difficulties she faced and what is the current way of living life for her. Also read: Will follow next polls very closely amid Bangladesh’s growing importance globally: EU “The book is about the life experience of a girl with disabilities and of appeal for new school building,” said EU Ambassador Whiteley.  

The European Union wants to bring greater dynamism in its relations with Bangladesh engaging deeply in every way stating that “sky is the limit” when it comes to cooperation in boosting trade and investment. “Sky is the limit when we cooperate with…the world is changing very quickly. The European Union is changing. Bangladesh is changing. We’ve to make sure that our relationship reflects that change,” Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the EU to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley told UNB in an interview. The Ambassador, who came back to Bangladesh after 12 years of his first posting here, said he wants to see the growing relationship between Bangladesh and the EU “deepened politically” engaging all segments of Bangladesh society, civil society and with robust trading ties. He said the relationship needs to be characterized in terms of new challenges and exploring opportunities in the digital sphere. Also read: Additional €12 mn to be provided for Rohingyas, host community: EU “Bangladesh has such a big batch of young people who are educated and tech savvy. That’s a huge resource for Bangladesh. We want to be with Bangladesh on that journey,” said the envoy. Wave of Investment The EU diplomat said they want to see a “wave of investment” in Bangladesh from Europe with a level-playing field in place after addressing the challenges. “We’ll be working together as partners.”

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley on Tuesday met adolescents benefiting from the EU-funded Accelerating Protection for Children (APC) project. The Ambassador talked to them and wanted to know their issues and assured of looking into their issues. Also read: Bangladesh knows how to address climate change challenges: EU envoy Ambassador Whiteley laid emphasis on spreading such programme in other parts of the country to protect the rights of the children.  During the visit at the project site in Kalshi, Mirpur, the girls thanked the EU and requested the EU Ambassador to continue the support for children from underprivileged backgrounds. "Great partnership between EU, UNICEF and GoB (government of Bangladesh) on empowerment of marginalised adolescents- thanks for the opportunity to witness first hand the activities at Kurmitola Adolescent Club  to mark International Day of the Girl Child," the EU Ambassador tweeted after visiting the place.

Bangladesh has a wealth of ideas on how to address the challenges of climate change both at home and in the wider world. The word of praise has come from the head of the Delegation of European Union (EU) in Dhaka. The EU Delegation to Bangladesh organised a roundtable on climate change on Monday, ahead of the COP-26 meet scheduled to take place in Glasgow from October 31. Read: German companies urge next government to step up on climate change Eminent climate specialists set out their expectations for the COP, including what it should deliver for Bangladesh, how the EU and Bangladesh should work together before and after COP-26, and what needs to be done to build climate resilience. The recently arrived Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh, Charles Whiteley, opened the discussion, underlining the important role played by both Bangladesh and the EU in the climate discourse and recognising Bangladesh’s leading role in the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF).  He highlighted the EU’s Climate Law, which enshrines in legislation EU commitments, including to achieve “climate neutrality” by 2050.  EU Delegation representatives also took stock of the EU’s Climate Adaptation Strategy published in last August and the Team Europe Initiative on Green Energy Transition, which will support the fulfilment of  Bangladesh’s energy needs through renewable energy.  Seven experts took part in the event -- Executive Director of Centre for Policy Dialogue, CPD, Dr Fahmida Khatun; Dr Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus, BRAC University; Major General Muniruzzaman (retd) from the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies, BIPSS; Dr Mizanur Rahman Khan from the International Centre for Climate Change and Development, ICCCAD; Dr Atiq Rahman from Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies, BCAS; Shafqat Munir, Research Fellow of BIPSS: and UNDP climate specialist AK Mamunur Rashid. Issues explored included the need to ensure that pledges on climate finance are met, the importance of technology transfer and capacity building, the need to preserve ambition to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the imperative of international discussion on climate-induced migration, the impact of Covid-19 and the importance of building resilience.  Read: NAP needs to focus climate adaptation priorities, identify challenges Also present at the event were officials of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh Jeremy Opritesco, Dario Trombetta and Towheed Feroze.  "This exchange will help to enrich our preparations for COP-26 and to deliver a result that meets the need and expectations of both Bangladesh and the EU," said the EU Ambassador.