United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday called for an early start to Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union, stressing the need for safeguarding Bangladesh’s trade preferences in its largest export market once the current duty-free access expires in the coming years. The Chief Adviser made the remarks during a courtesy call by Nuria Lopez, Chairperson of the European Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham), at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller took part in the meeting. During the discussion, they discussed the need to accelerate European investment in Bangladesh, how to ensure smooth trade relations between Bangladesh and the EU, and the need for further reforms to improve the country’s business climate, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. They also discussed the upcoming elections and the deployment of international observers to monitor the polls. Prof Yunus said the interim government has recently concluded an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan, paving the way for duty-free access for more than 7,300 Bangladeshi products to the world’s fourth-largest economy. He said that Bangladesh is preparing to hold similar negotiations with other countries, including the European Union, to ensure continued duty-free access for its products, particularly ready-made garments, to the EU market for the foreseeable future. “The EPA with Japan has opened doors for us. It gives renewed hope to our export items. We definitely hope to sign an FTA with the EU to expand our market,” the Chief Adviser said. EuroCham Chairperson Nuria Lopez said Bangladesh needs to begin FTA negotiations urgently, as the country may lose its existing trade preferences in the EU, its largest export destination, after graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. She said that an FTA would attract more European investment to Bangladesh, create jobs and boost exports to advanced Western markets. Lopez pointed out that India is signing an FTA with the EU, while Vietnam already has such an agreement, allowing both middle-income countries preferential access to the European market. “We are advocating for an FTA. I will go to Europe to encourage private companies to invest in Bangladesh,” she said. EU Ambassador Michael Miller said that the commercial relationship with Bangladesh will evolve after graduation but not before 2029. He underlined the EU’s strong interest to bring European investment and technology to the country, an important market with a population of nearly 200 million, and spoke about the EU readiness to organise an EU/Bangladesh Business Forum in 2026. “We are looking for early political signals that EU companies will be encouraged to come and will enjoy a level playing field,” he said. The Chief Adviser also emphasised the relocation of factories to Bangladesh, noting that European firms can take advantage of the country’s large pool of skilled labour at competitive costs. “We are building a free trade zone. Our aim is to turn Bangladesh into a manufacturing hub for global businesses. We want more European investment in Bangladesh,” he said. Prof Yunus expressed satisfaction over the EU’s decision to deploy a large contingent of election observers to Bangladesh for the upcoming general elections and referendum. “It is important that EU election observers are here. It is a huge vote of confidence in revitalising our democracy,” he said, adding that the overall picture of the election campaign was ‘very positive’. Lamiya Morshed, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator and Senior Secretary of the government, was also present at the meeting.

US President Donald Trump has said he will “100 percent” go ahead with his threat to impose tariffs on European countries that oppose his demand for Washington to take control of Greenland, as the European Union vowed to defend its interests and sovereignty. Speaking to NBC News, Trump confirmed he would press ahead with the tariff plan, including a 10 percent duty on all goods from Britain from February 1, rising to 25 percent from June 1, until a deal is reached for the United States to purchase Greenland from Denmark. The US president said the same measures would apply to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland, all Nato allies. “I will, 100 percent,” Trump said when asked if he would follow through on the tariff threat. European leaders have rallied behind Greenland’s sovereignty, rejecting Trump’s claims. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said Europe must show Washington that tariffs and threats are “not the way forward.” “You can’t threaten your way to ownership of Greenland. We have red lines that can’t be crossed,” Rasmussen said. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc has “no interest to pick a fight, but we will hold our ground,” adding that “sovereignty is not for trade.” The European Union is set to hold an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday to discuss its response to Trump’s latest statements. Trump also declined to rule out the use of force when asked whether he would seize Greenland, replying: “No comment.” Denmark has warned that any US military action in Greenland would threaten the future of Nato, while several European allies have voiced firm support for Denmark and Greenland’s position.   With inputs from BBC

The European Union’s apparel import market witnessed a significant reshuffling in 2025, as Bangladesh’s exports to the bloc climbed to €18.06 billion despite a broader trend of falling unit prices and aggressive competition from China. According to the latest Eurostat data for the period of January to November 2025, the EU's total apparel imports grew by 3.93 percent, reaching a total value of €82.94 billion. While the market saw a robust 11.60 percent increase in volume, the average unit price for garments fell by 6.88%, signaling a highly competitive, price-sensitive environment for global suppliers. Bangladesh, the EU's second-largest apparel supplier, saw its export value rise from €16.78 billion in 2024 to €18.06 billion in the first eleven months of 2025—a growth of 7.65 percent. This value growth was largely volume-driven, with an 11.26 percent increase in the quantity of goods shipped, even as the country faced a 3.25 percent decrease in unit prices. However, data from the end of the period suggests a cooling trend. A comparison between November 2024 and November 2025 reveals a sharp 10.87% drop in export value and a 12.27% decline in unit prices, highlighting the mounting pressure on Bangladeshi manufacturers to lower costs. Garment accessories sector posts record $7.45bn export earnings in FY25: BGAPMEA The report highlights a strategic pivot by China. Facing ongoing challenges in the United States market, China has intensified its focus on Europe. Chinese apparel exports to the EU reached €24.42 billion, marking a 6.55 percent growth in value. Most notably, China saw a massive 15.73 percent surge in export volume, supported by a 7.93 percent reduction in unit prices. The sourcing landscape across Asia showed varying results. Vietnam recorded a healthy 10.10 percent growth, reaching €4.02 billion. Unlike its neighbors, Vietnam saw a 4.19 percent increase in unit price, likely reflecting a shift toward higher-value garments. Turkey struggled significantly, facing an 11.31 percent decline in exports to the EU, totaling €7.66 billion. India, Pakistan, and Cambodia all showed substantial growth rates, contributing to the overall volume surge in the European market. Global demand crunch pinches RMG, exports stagnant in first 5 months of fiscal at $16bn "The data reflects a complex environment where volume is up, but margins are being squeezed," noted Mohiuddin Rubel, Managing Director of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange Ltd. "While Bangladesh remains a key player, the aggressive pricing strategies from competitors like China and the recent dip in November figures suggest that staying competitive will require a careful balance of volume and value-addition," he said.

European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) Deputy Chief Observer Inta Lase on Saturday (January 17, 2026) said it is very important to see the whole picture of electoral process holistically to present their report impartially, stressing that this is a historic moment for Bangladesh. "Let us observe and let us wait until a holistic assessment is done," she told reporters at a city hotel, noting that they all know there is no perfect election anywhere in the world. Lase said their assessment and report with recommendations in the spirit of friendship and cooperation will help improve the future electoral process in the country. She said their observers are very experienced though many of them are coming to Bangladesh for the first time. EU to allocate €60B military, €30B economic aid to Ukraine Addressing the observers, Lase said, "You are the ones who are in the field, seeing the realities, telling us here in Dhaka how the situation is unfolding in each and every district. We are really looking forward to your report and assessment from the field." She said she knows observers' hours on the ground will be longer but it will be rewarding. "Trust me, we are all very privileged to hear from you and see this historical election," Lase said. 200 Observers Altogether At full strength the EU EOM will comprise 200 observers drawn from all 27 EU member states, Canada, Norway and Switzerland. The EU EOM will present its preliminary findings in a statement at a press conference on 14 February in Dhaka.

Bangladesh on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) lauded Finland and the European Union for deploying a large EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the upcoming national elections Bangladesh also sought sought Finland’s support for its post-LDC transition and GSP+ aspirations. Non-resident Ambassador of Finland to Bangladesh Kimmo Lähdevirta paid a courtesy call on Secretary (East & West) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Md Nazrul Islam and discussed issues of mutual interest. The Ambassador expressed Finland’s support for a potential Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read more: Prof Yunus orders strict measures to prevent possible election fraud Dr Islam invited the Ambassador to visit the EPZs to get firsthand experience on production facilities, business operations and above all, the investment opportunities in Bangladesh. During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the steady progress in bilateral relations and reiterated their commitment to further strengthening cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, clean energy, digital services, and textiles. The Secretary congratulated the Ambassador and the people of Finland on the upcoming Nordic Day celebration. The Finnish Ambassador reiterated that Finland is very happy to watch the democratic transition of Bangladesh. Read more: Bangladesh Election: EU Chief Observer clarifies ‘inclusive, participatory’ meaning Secretary Dr Islam shed light on Bangladesh’s reform agenda and preparations for the national parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 February 2026, alongside a national referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter.

The European Union (EU) on Wednesday stressed the importance of a ‘peaceful election in Bangladesh, saying Bangladesh-EU relations could reach new heights following a successful democratic transition, ushering in a new era of engagement between Dhaka and the world’s largest economic bloc. Visiting Acting Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Paola Pampaloni, who met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna, said the EU attaches top priority to its relationship with Bangladesh, reflected in its decision to deploy a significant, high-level election observation mission to monitor the February-12 general election. She said the head of the EU Election Observation Mission would arrive in Bangladesh later this week and is expected to hold a series of meetings with political leaders and relevant authorities. Prof Yunus said both the general election and the referendum were crucial for Bangladesh’s democratic transition. He said political parties have endorsed the July Charter and expressed confidence that they would campaign for ‘yes’ votes in the referendum. “I don’t think any party will seek a ‘no’ vote,” he said. The Chief Adviser reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the vote would be free, fair, participatory and peaceful.  “People in this country have not been able to vote in free and fair elections for the past 16 years under autocratic rule. This time, they will vote in a festive manner,” he added. Prof Yunus described the Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) as one of the most important agreements for Bangladesh and said it would ‘solidify’ Bangladesh-European Union (EU) relations.

The European Union on Tuesday night assured BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman that it will stand beside Bangladesh with stronger and increased cooperation in the coming days. “They (the EU) said they would extend cooperation on a larger scale and with greater commitment in the days ahead,” BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan told reporters after a meeting between Tarique Rahman and an EU delegation. The delegation, led by European Union Ambassador Michael Miller, visited the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office in the evening and held talks with Tarique Rahman on various issues. The meeting, which lasted for more than one and a half hours, mainly focused on the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, BNP’s views on holding a free and fair election, the overall political situation in the country, and the condition of workers in Bangladesh. Besides Tarique Rahman and Nazrul Islam Khan, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Ismail Zabihull, Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir, and Acting Chairman’s Adviser Mahdi Amin were present at the meeting. During the meeting, Nazrul Islam said,Tarique Rahman thanked the European Union for its continued support to Bangladesh’s development and urged it to play a more effective role in the future so that the people of Bangladesh benefit more.  

In response to a formal invitation by Bangladesh authorities, the High Representative/Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas has decided to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 February 2026.  The High Representative has appointed Ivars Ijabs, Member of the European Parliament, as its chief observer.  Read more: IRI pre-election observation team meets EC Sanaullah "I am honoured to lead this EU Election Observation Mission to Bangladesh, which will deliver an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process," Chief Observer Ijabs said on Tuesday. 

Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Thursday stated unequivocally that in today’s unpredictable world, Bangladesh can count on the EU as a steadfast partner. “We are your steadfast partner; in your political transition, whose success we support; in implementing your reform agenda on climate action, energy and other sectors," he said. The Ambassador visited Khulna University and addressed students and members of the institution.  This was the fourth in a series of workshops organised with Bangladesh youths on climate change.  The NGO ‘Youth for NDC’s’ has had the lead in organising these events.    Alluding to COP30, to be held in Brazil in November next, Miller drew attention to the Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs - each country’s pledge to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.   Referring to Bangladesh’s NDC 3.0, he stressed the crucial role the young will have in shaping a sustainable future. Bangladesh and the EU are both strong defenders of the need to stay below 1.5 degrees.  "So let me start by restating just how much we have in common. Bangladesh is among the most climate vulnerable countries in the world, and this region in Bangladesh is among the most vulnerable to floods, cyclones and salination, disrupting lives and livelihoods," said the EU ambassador.   He said, Europe, which was warming twice as fast as the global average, feels climate change acutely.  “Drought, wildfires, heatstroke increasingly affect our citizens.” Noting that the European Union, through its European Green Deal, is driving transition to a net-zero economy by 2050, Miller observed that they have turned away from fossil fuels, embracing decarbonisation and clean technology, decoupling economic growth from emissions growth.  "Our Green Deal is our growth strategy, and we are committed to delivering on its objectives:  our strength lies in our policy predictability, our transparency and our good governance, all of which is a huge selling point for clean-tech investors and companies.”  EU lauds Dhaka’s collaborative efforts in addressing irregular migration Underlining the fact that one fifth of the world’s clean technologies are now being developed in Europe, the ambassador said that EU’s share of global emissions stood at a low 6 per cent.  “In 2023, our greenhouse gas emissions fell by 8 per cent, bringing total reductions to 37 per cent below 1990 levels.”  The ambassador attributed this to the shutting down of coal-fired power plants, investment in energy efficiency and a rise in the use of renewable energy.  Reiterating that the EU is a steady and unwavering partner of Bangladesh, Miller said through the Global Gateway initiative, they are investing Euro 1.3 billion in energy efficiency, renewable energy, grid modernization and regional connectivity. A key part of this is the Euro 350 million loan from the European Investment Bank, EIB and Euro 45 million EU grant to support solar and wind projects.  Stating that Bangladesh is ‘not’ among the world’s largest emitters, Miller added, “I want to stress that an ambitious NDC 3.0 has the potential to do in Bangladesh what I have described for the EU: drive innovation, attract investment, and foster inclusive growth! It can provide stakeholders with clarity and stability, paving the way for much needed capital and expertise to flow.” Calling Bangladesh’s NDC 3.0, a vision for the future, Miller underlined the significance of engaging the dynamism of modern day youth in ensuring a greener tomorrow.  “Your ideas, your energy, and your innovation are vital to crafting an NDC that reflects the needs and aspirations of your generation.”  "Climate change affects you the most, and your voices must shape the solutions," said Miller.  The Vice Chancellor, teachers, high officials of the university were also present at the event. 

he European Union (EU) on Thursday reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting nature, promoting biodiversity and safeguarding the environment.  The EU Embassy in Bangladesh made the remarks in a brief message marking the World Environment Day. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held annually on 5 June since 1973, World Environment Day is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world.  In 2025, it is hosted by the Republic of Korea. Time is running out, and nature is in emergency mode.  To keep global warming below 1.5°C this century, we must halve annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.  Without action, exposure to air pollution beyond safe guidelines will increase by 50 per cent within the decade and plastic waste flowing into aquatic ecosystems will nearly triple by 2040, according to the UN. Globally, an estimated 11 million tonnes of plastic waste leak into aquatic ecosystems each year. More than 800 marine and coastal species are affected by this pollution through ingestion, entanglement, and other dangers. Microplastics in the seas now outnumber stars in our galaxy. The annual social and environmental cost of plastic pollution ranges between US$300 billion and US$600 billion.