Due to ongoing road blockades by students, outgoing Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley on Wednesday had to abandon his car on Dhaka Expressway and find alternative ways to reach the parliament building for his scheduled farewell meeting with Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury. Whiteley was stuck on the expressway as students protesting against quota in government jobs paralysed the city’s traffic causing huge suffering to the commuters. Read more: Dhaka-Mymensingh rail communication disrupted as BAU students continue “Bangla Blockade” He shared a video, taken by Deputy Head of Mission Dr Bernd Spanier, depicting his journey- partly by walking and a CNG ride –to the destination.    “We abandoned the car on the expressway due to protests and made it to the call on Hon Speaker by CNG - a commemorative video made by Bernd, including a death-defying high-wire sequence,” Whiteley wrote sharing the video from his Facebook account. Whiteley is due to leave Dhaka wrapping up his three-year tenure in Bangladesh. Read more: Bangla Blockade: Students block Barishal-Dhaka highway

Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, Charles Whiteley, has said the opening of Dhaka Airport’s Third Terminal will transform Bangladesh's passenger and cargo handling capabilities.  "Spectacular opening by Hon. PM Hasina of the impressive new airport terminal in Dhaka — which will transform Bangladesh passenger and cargo capabilities, including the potential to handle 24 million passengers per year," the EU ambassador wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).  Read: Aligning labour law with international standards ‘essential’ to consider GSP+, EU Ambassador says He was seen taking a selfie with Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Jeremy Bruer, at the new terminal which he shared from his social media account. Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy, Jan Janowski, also shared his experience of visiting Terminal 3 which had its soft-opening today (October 07, 2023).  "Bangladesh aviation taking off soon. Stunned by the beauty of the new Terminal 3 of HSIA, Dhaka — A lot of German technology behind the scenes, can't wait for the 1st Airbus 380 landing here," he wrote. Read: Honorary Consul of Malta Shoeb Chowdhury calls on EU Ambassador Charles Whiteley Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today soft-opened Terminal 3 of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and said that either Bangladesh's resort town Cox’s Bazar or Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka may soon become an international air transportation hub due to Bangladesh’s geographical location.

Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley on Wednesday said the time has come for moving ahead with a European Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham) to promote trade and investment and help ensure a smooth transition to GSP+ era. "GSP plus is not an easy ticket," he said during at a function at his residence, marking the "soft launch" of the EuroCham to boost Bangladesh-EU business ties. The EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) gives developing countries a special incentive to pursue sustainable development and good governance. Eligible countries have to implement international conventions on human rights, labour rights, the environment and good governance. There are some quite stringent requirements for GSP Plus accession and Bangladesh has already ratified the 32 conventions that are now required for GSP Plus membership. Bangladesh's graduation from LDC status in 2026 would also mean graduation from the current Everything but Arms (EBA) unilateral trade preference given to Bangladesh by the EU, Bangladesh's largest export destination. There will be a three years transition period. "Our focus is now ensuring a swift transition. I think EuroCham will really be helpful," said Ambassador Whiteley. The EU sees huge potential as Bangladesh is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and is predicted to be among the top 30 largest economies by 2036. Read more: EU keen to send observers for upcoming general election in Bangladesh: Envoy "It (EuroCham) should be business driven and business interests are reflected in it," said the EU ambassador, emphasising that the chamber will lobby for European business interests and the removal of barriers to trade and investment. The EU envoy said the EuroCham is not here to compete with the existing chambers but to complement the existing bilateral chambers of commerce. "It is an idea to help address problems and will forge links between Bangladesh and European businesses." Why EuroCham now? The EU said there is a well-established relationship with business potential. The EU is Bangladesh's largest trading partner and there is keen interest from European companies to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh. The EU embassy says there are numerous EuroChams around the world with a proven record of supporting EU business. The EuroCham will assist businesses in navigating European and Bangladesh legislation, including in rapidly evolving areas such as due diligence and the green economy, said the EU embassy. It will facilitate the transition to GSP+ from a business perspective and bring critical thinking and analysis to bear on key business challenges, stimulating interest in existing and potential business sectors. Senior government officials, business leaders, EU Deputy Head of Mission Brend Spanier were present at the soft launching event.

The European Union (EU) has transferred EUR 2 million (around Tk 20 crore) to the government of Bangladesh to strengthen key areas of its social security system. It has a specific focus on strengthening institutional set-up, the overall Monitoring and Evaluation Framework of the social security services, introduction of a nutrition sensitive child benefit programme and having an improved social security framework for workers.  EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley said “We encourage the government to ensure an appropriate social protection system and measures that protect those who are in need.” Beyond the immediate Covid-19 response initiated by Team Europe, he said, this programme represents a concrete first step towards the longer-term objective to establish an adequate and sustainable social security system.  “The EU and its Member States are committed to support efforts to establish adequate and sustainable social security for workers, with the shared objectives to protect lives and livelihoods,” said the EU member. Read: EU wants full implementation of labor roadmap for trade facility The disbursement of this payment comes after a “positive decision” of the Budget Support Steering Committee (SSC) of the European Commission's Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development in July 2022, said the EU Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday.   The European Consensus for Development enshrines the commitment from both the EU and its Member States to promote “adequate and sustainable social protection”.  With the proactive political commitment of the government of Bangladesh (GoB) to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in order to ‘leave no-one behind’, the EU has been a committed development and humanitarian partner to Bangladesh since 1973.  The EU supports the Government of Bangladesh to implement its national social security reform agenda with the ultimate aim to streamline social protection services and to reach out to vulnerable communities, with a special emphasis on the Child Benefit Programme and workers at risk in the export-oriented sector and as such to contribute to Bangladesh’s overall development goals.  A EUR 247 million budget support programme is in place since 2019 to support the reform activities of the NSSS. Budget support is a means of delivering effective aid and durable results for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  Budget support is directly linked to reforms and developmental results. This ensures development of effective systems to collect information on results, to monitor progress, and evaluate impact, based on which the sectoral reform process in funded.  It also aims to strengthen the capacity of the partner country in the implementation of the policy and public finance systems, also in improving the accountability of the government towards its citizens. 

Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) will discuss mainly trade related issues during the visit of a trade delegation from the European parliament in July third week. “They are interested in following trade relations between the EU and Bangladesh which are growing very strongly,” EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley told reporters on Tuesday after his meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam  He said the delegation of the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) is coming to meet different ministers and other organizations The EU ambassador said both sides will be looking at GSP regulation, which is their global regulation as they are very committed and interested on the trade front. The State Minister said the delegation will visit privately owned factories and see Bangladesh’s development. Bangladesh is already engaging in the GSP Plus issue which is a rather difficult process and the EU says it is very encouraging to see awareness in Bangladesh. The EU is very happy that the Everything but Arms (EBA) has helped Bangladesh and thanked Bangladesh for the high quality clothing that they get from Bangladesh. Also Read: PM to inaugurate new MoFA building Thursday Bangladesh suggested an extension of the existing DFQF market access for Bangladesh in the European market by nine years beyond the three years of leeway after the graduation. Bangladesh can still enjoy the duty-free quota-free market access after 2026 up to 2029. The EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) gives developing countries a special incentive to pursue sustainable development and good governance. Eligible countries have to implement 27 international conventions on human rights, labour rights, the environment and good governance. The State Minister said there will be a wide-ranging discussion with the EU delegation. Bangladesh draws worldwide attention for keeping up its growth momentum despite the global recession triggered by the pandemic and war, he said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said the government took immediate measures to cope with the flood situation. She said this while Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley called on her at her Sangsad Bhaban office. According to a press release, she explained the current flood situation in the North-Eastern part of Bangladesh, where she paid a short visit by helicopter today and held a discussion meeting with the volunteers, party activists, and government agencies who are actively working to rescue the affected people. The EU ambassador expressed his satisfaction over Bangladesh’s preparedness and resilience to combat this kind of seasonal natural disaster caused mainly by the monsoon rain. Sheikh Hasina said that the government built cyclone shelters in the south and multipurpose flood shelters in the northern part of Bangladesh as disaster preparedness. Furthermore, she stated that Bangladesh, as a riverine country, faces tremendous challenges of river erosion and the impact of climate change. Also Read: PM to police: Earn public trust as the last resort for their safety To that end, she briefly narrated her visions, including Bangladesh Delta Plan-2100. While discussing Padma Bridge, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that its inauguration will open up a new horizon for the southern districts of Bangladesh. The economic return will undoubtedly be very high as those districts will host massive industrialization, which will require more electricity generation and the construction of port facilities, she said. She spoke on Bangladesh’s massive progress during her government in the last 13 and half years. She reiterated that Bangladesh will finally graduate from LDC in 2026. She mentioned that the EU countries are Bangladesh’s largest export destination. She appreciated the EU’s continued trade preference for Bangladesh in the form of the Everything-but-Arms (EBA) Initiative. She reiterated her Government’s continued commitment to work closely with the EU on trade-related issues. In this regard, Ambassador Whiteley appreciated Bangladesh’s booming green garments industries. He wished smooth transition of Bangladesh from the LDC. He assured that the new GSP regulation of the EU has already considered Bangladesh’s bid for GSP+ facilities till 2029. However, Sheikh Hasina looks forward to receiving the EU’s continued support even beyond 2029. EU Head of Delegation appreciated Bangladesh’s success in containing the COVID-19 pandemic. He reiterated that the EU is helping to repatriate Rohingyas from Bangladesh to their homeland in the Rakhine State of Myanmar. In this regard, he mentioned that they are looking for some practical approaches to do so soon. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that after the repatriation of the Rohingyas, the camp area would be restored to its natural state as before, and her Government has a plan to rehabilitate the region with the local people. The EU Head of Delegation lauded Bangladesh’s tax regime for attracting foreign investment compared to other countries. The meeting ended with a goodwill gesture by handing over gifts to each other. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina appreciated Ambassador Whiteley’s commitment and efforts to elevate further and diversify the Bangladesh-EU relations.

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.”