United News of Bangladesh

The European Union plans to send a large team of election observers to Bangladesh for the upcoming general election, the first such mission since 2008, said EU Ambassador Michael Miller. Ambassador Miller made the announcement during a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday. He said the EU observer mission is yet to be formally confirmed but could include between 150 and 200 members. Some observers are expected to arrive about six weeks before the election, while others may join a week prior to polling day. “This would be the first time since 2008 that the EU is sending such a full-fledged election observer team to Bangladesh,” Ambassador Miller told the Chief Adviser, adding that the EU would also assist in deploying local election observers during the vote. During the hour-long meeting, the two sides discussed a wide range of issues, including governance and constitutional reforms, election preparations, judicial and labour reforms, trade and investment relations between Bangladesh and the EU, and the broader political process in the country. Ambassador Miller praised the July National Charter, describing it as a “very important" document aimed at ensuring a smooth democratic transition. Govt welcomes only genuine foreign election observers: Touhid He also commended the recently approved labour law reforms and initiatives to strengthen the independence of the judiciary, calling them ‘notable successes’. “These are all important steps,” he said, emphasising the EU’s continued support for the Election Commission’s efforts to ensure free, fair and credible elections in February. Miller described the upcoming polls as an ‘opportunity to reset the reputation of the country’. The envoy also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s smooth graduation from a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a middle-income nation. Both sides discussed ways to deepen trade and investment ties, including prospects for an economic partnership agreement and exploring new opportunities in aviation and shipping. They also agreed to work more closely on tackling human trafficking and illegal migration. The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh is expected to sign an agreement with global shipping giant A.P. Moller–Maersk for the development and management of the Laldia Terminal at Chattogram Port, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Commonwealth to send election observers to Bangladesh: Khosru Ambassador Miller noted that the Danish company plans to invest around $800 million to develop Laldia into one of the top terminals in the region. The two sides also discussed the election environment, candidate eligibility and ensuring due process to uphold human rights ahead of the vote.

The European Union (EU) has said Bangladesh is a ‘key partner’ for the European Union in the Bay of Bengal and wider Indo-Pacific. The Council of the European Union (EU) underlined that the EU and the Indo-Pacific face increasingly complex security challenges. The Council of the EU considers that the EU should continue and further intensify its strategic focus, presence, visibility and actions in the Indo-Pacific with the aim of contributing to their joint stability, security, prosperity and sustainable development, underpinned by the promotion of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and international law. The EU will reinforce its role as a reliable actor bringing added value to long-standing relations with all partners in the region. This is especially relevant as the EU has a geographic presence in the Indo-Pacific through its outermost regions and overseas countries and territories. The Council underlined its commitment to a closely coordinated political presence of the EU and Member States in the region. Bangladesh delegation visits Algeria to strengthen cooperation Building on three successful EU-Indo Pacific Ministerial Fora (Paris 2022, Stockholm 2023 and Brussels 2024), the Council said it looks forward to the Fourth EU-Indo Pacific Ministerial Forum, to be convened by the High Representative in Brussels on November 20-21 November, a senior official told UNB. Those EU-Indo Pacific Ministerial Fora constitute a unique platform for strategically interacting with audiences in both regions. They reflect the strong and shared interest of the EU and the Indo-Pacific partners in fostering concrete cooperation, including on a region-to-region basis, enhancing mutual security, prosperity and resilience and laying the foundations for an ever-more ambitious partnership. The EU Embassy in Dhaka has shared their latest policy document – newly issued by 27 Member states at the EU Foreign Affairs Council – which underlines how the European Union and Indo-Pacific are inter-linked and working in partnership on green and digital transition, trade and economic security, and security and defence. Bangladesh on track for ‘peaceful, inclusive’ polls: Prof Yunus tells IRI On October 20, the Council of the EU approved conclusions on the implementation of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific stressing that the EU should further intensify its strategic focus, presence, visibility and actions in the Indo-Pacific with the aim of contributing to our joint stability, security, prosperity and sustainable development, underpinned by the promotion of democracy, rule of law, human rights and international law. The EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, which was launched in September 2021, continues to provide a sound framework for EU engagement in a region spanning from the east coast of Africa to the Pacific islands. Important steps have been taken to implement the strategy in the seven key priority areas, both at the EU and member state level, with a particular focus on three core areas of engagement: security and defence challenges, the green and digital transition, and trade and economic security. The Council also reiterated its serious concerns about the current situation in both Afghanistan and Myanmar, and its unwavering commitment to achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East on the basis of the two-State solution. EU-Indo Pacific Ministerial Fora constitutes a unique platform for strategically interacting with audiences in both regions, according to the EU. They reflect the strong and shared interest of the EU and the Indo-Pacific partners in fostering concrete cooperation, including on a region-to-region basis, enhancing mutual security, prosperity and resilience and laying the foundations for an ever more ambitious partnership.  

he European Union (EU) has decided to send election observers to Bangladesh for the upcoming national election, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Sunday. “The EU has decided to send observers following requests from the government and the Election Commission. They are eagerly waiting to see a fair, transparent and acceptable election in Bangladesh,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting between BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Khosru said the discussion mainly focused on the upcoming national election, expected to be held in the first half of February, and the overall electoral process. He said the EU has always played an important role in Bangladesh’s electoral process and will continue to do so this time as well. Fakhrul issues fresh warning of election conspiracy The BNP leader said the talks also covered several issues, including the economy, trade relations, institutional reforms, and the importance of strengthening democracy in Bangladesh. Highlighting Bangladesh’s strong economic ties with the EU, Khosru said the country’s ready-made garments sector has grown significantly thanks to the EU’s duty-free market access. “They want to continue this support, and in the coming days, they want Bangladesh–EU trade relations to remain strong and uninterrupted.” He said the EU also expressed its willingness to continue supporting efforts to make democracy in Bangladesh more institutional and sustainable. The BNP leader said the EU wants to see democratic institutions — Parliament, government, judiciary, and the media — functioning independently. Khosru said the EU is also keen to help create an environment where people can enjoy freedom of expression and democratic rights. “We welcome this initiative. If we want democracy in Bangladesh to continue, we must make it institutional. The elements that make democracy work also need to be institutionalised, and the institutions themselves must function independently. We need to restore our democratic culture and revive the values that have been lost,” he said. Sheltering an ‘autocrat’ is India’s choice: Tarique Rahman The BNP leader said their discussion also touched on the need to make Parliament stronger and more effective. “A strong democracy cannot exist without a strong Parliament, and the EU wants to support efforts to strengthen parliamentary activities." The EU ambassador arrived at the BNP Chairperson’s office around 11am and held the meeting with Fakhrul for one hour and ten minutes. Apart from Khosru, BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present at the meeting.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to holding a ‘free, fair, transparent and festive’ general election in the first half of February next year.  “The general election will be peaceful, fair, transparent and festive,” he said, adding that the interim government remains determined to hold it as scheduled, though ‘certain forces’ are still attempting to delay the polls. Prof Yunus made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) led by Mounir Satouri, held at the State Guest House Jamuna, said his Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. “We have already announced the timeline for the election. It will be held in early February, just before Ramadan,” the Chief Adviser told the visiting delegation. Prof Yunus noted growing enthusiasm among the public, particularly the youth, as student body elections have resumed in universities after years—some after more than three decades. Prof Yunus to kick off packed 80th UNGA schedule on Sept 22 He expressed confidence that young voters would turn out in record numbers, as this will be the first time in over 15 years that many of them will be casting their ballots. “Bangladesh will witness a new beginning through the February election. It will mark a new chapter in our history, a new journey for the nation,” he said. During the hour-long discussion, the Chief Adviser and the MEPs exchanged views on the government’s reform initiatives, the European Union’s continued support for Bangladesh’s development and democratic transition, and the ongoing Rohingya humanitarian crisis.

Ambassador and Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Tuesday announced that the EU will provide a support package of 4 million euros to help Bangladesh conduct elections in line with international standards, emphasising their desire for the polls to be free, fair and highly credible. “I came here today to announce that the European Union will provide a support package in excess of 4 million euros to help Bangladesh run elections in line with international standards,” he said while talking to reporters after leading a six-member EU delegation in a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the latter's Nirbachan Bhaban office. Michael Miller said the European Union is here working in partnership with Bangladesh in support of a transition that will lead up to democratic elections. “We are heading towards a timeline of early 2026,” he said. Replying to a question about the election environment in Bangladesh, the EU Ambassador said what they are discussing now is the very practical steps that need to be taken immediately in the coming weeks and months in order to ensure the credibility of these elections. “And that is why we are here mobilising our expertise now. Because we actually want your elections to be very credible and held in line with international standards and of course free and fair,” he said. Miller said he was accompanied not only by the European Union delegation colleagues but also by the European Partnership for Democracy and they are implementing partners, electoral experts who will be here to ensure that there is a strong focus on citizen observation in the coming elections. Besides, the EU has a focus on voter education in Bangladesh as the European Union is determined to empower its partner in Bangladesh and of course the election commission as it conducts these elections. Local govt elections essential to ensure acceptable public services during national polls: Speakers He mentioned that the EU will also support the Bangladesh election commission directly in terms of capacity building and expert input including in the fields of operational planning and dispute resolution to give examples. “Our focus here on the conduct of elections as in other areas of our work in Bangladesh will be on ensuring the independence and the efficiency and the accountability of the institutions here,” Miller added. Miller said the European Union considers Bangladesh a priority for a potential EU election observation mission. “So, this is something that we will continue to discuss with the interim government and the election commission in the coming months,” he said. Replying to another question, Michael Miller said a team of EU technical experts will come to Bangladesh next month to consider whether the context is right for the EU to deploy an election observation mission here in Bangladesh. “So, we are looking at feasibility and we are looking at the advisability but what I can tell you is that politically Bangladesh is a priority for the European Union when it comes to the deployment of an election observation mission,” he said. In response to another question, the EU envoy said he thinks there are a number of issues that need to be addressed because Bangladesh is in the middle of a very profound political transition. Obviously, when it comes to the elections, Bangladesh does have long-standing experience of running democratic elections, but more recently, of course, those elections have been highly questionable in terms of the conduct and the results, Miller said. ‘Our overall focus on national polls, not any other polls’, says EC Sanaullah “Now, what we see here is the need to ensure that your voters, especially your young voters who may never have participated in an election, that they have sufficient education to be able to exercise their democratic right,” the EU ambassador said. “We have to be sure that you have the capacity in your administration to counter disinformation and misinformation. And of course that's not just a problem here, but it's a problem everywhere. So on all of these issues, we will be working there. We are at the stage now of identifying how we can best help,” he added. Talking about a new EU-funded project, the EU ambassador said the EU will work on voter education, ensuring that domestic observer organizations have the capacity to deploy in the field. Besides, the EU will work with the Bangladesh election commission and work also with smaller civil society organizations in Bangladesh that are specialized in digital rights and countering misinformation. Those afraid of elections should join NGOs, not politics: Amir Khosru Other members of the delegation were Sebastian Riger-Brown, First Secretary (Political) of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh; Enrico Lorenzon, First Secretary and Team Leader for Inclusive Governance; Tanja Nader, Programme Manager for Inclusive Governance; Michael Lidauer, Senior International Advisor, EPD; and Anas Wibawa, Project Director for the Citizen Election Observers Component, EPD, at the EU Delegation to Bangladesh.

The European Union has decided to suspend retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods that were set to take effect Monday, in a bid to reach a trade agreement with the Trump administration by the end of the month. “This is now the time for negotiations,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters in Brussels on Sunday, following a letter from President Donald Trump announcing new U.S. tariffs of 30% on goods from the EU and Mexico, effective August 1. The EU, the United States’ largest trading partner and the world’s biggest trading bloc, had planned to implement “countermeasures” starting Monday at midnight Brussels time (6 p.m. EDT). Trade negotiations on behalf of the EU’s 27 member states are handled by the European Commission. Von der Leyen said the EU would delay implementing those measures until August 1, noting that Trump's letter “shows that we have until the first of August” to strike a deal. European leaders have been urging both sides to allow more time for negotiations. Trump plans to hike tariffs on Canadian goods to 35% “We have always been clear that we prefer a negotiated solution,” she said. “If no deal is reached, we will continue to prepare countermeasures so we are fully prepared.” Speaking alongside Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, von der Leyen also emphasized the need to diversify the EU’s trade relationships, citing ongoing tensions with the U.S. Trump has argued that global tariffs are essential to address a U.S. trade deficit he considers a national security threat. The EU-U.S. trade relationship was valued at €1.7 trillion ($2 trillion) in 2024, according to Eurostat, with major European exports including pharmaceuticals, cars, aircraft, chemicals, medical instruments, and wine and spirits. EU trade ministers are set to meet Monday to review trade ties with the U.S. and China.

Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Tuesday said investing in strong and inclusive social protection systems is vital to promoting prosperity, stability and social cohesion as Bangladesh moves toward graduation from Least Developed Country status. He said social protection is about respect, dignity, and resilience. "It helps people navigate life’s uncertainties. It also helps rebuild public trust in state institutions," said the Ambassador. The European Union (EU) has disbursed EUR 23.5 million to the government of Bangladesh to support improved social protection. This grant financing recognises progress and encourages further efforts to implement the National Social Security Strategy, notably for Bangladesh’s most vulnerable citizens, despite facing a series of challenges, including high inflation and job losses in the garment sector. The EU is Bangladesh’s long-term partner for improved social protection, a priority issue for the country’s inclusive economic development. Since 2019, the EU has provided EUR 285 million in grants for social protection, including EUR 20 million from Germany, according to the EU Embassy in Dhaka. EU envoy hopes for restoration of democracy in Bangladesh: Khosru Another EUR 15 million is being provided to help implement reforms through technical assistance, said the Embassy on Tuesday. With this financing, the EU helped Bangladesh pay over 90 percent of cash benefits directly into people’s accounts through the digital Government-to-Person system. A Single Registry has been launched, linking more than 30 programmes, which improve transparency, reduce duplication, and ensure better targeting. A Labour Information Management System is under development and already includes data for over 650,000 workers across the formal and informal sectors. The Employment Injury Scheme pilot is now providing lifelong pensions in cases of workplace or commuting accidents and is expanding to more sectors, including export processing zones. Moreover, for the first time, over 1,200 unemployed workers from one factory have received benefits under the government’s unemployment support programme. The EU encouraged the government of Bangladesh to reaffirm its commitment to essential reforms by adopting a renewed National Social Security Strategy beyond 2026. The revised strategy should prioritise improved targeting, better responsiveness to urban and climate-related challenges, and the development of sustainable long-term financing solutions, said the EU. The EU also supports concrete steps to make the social protection system more inclusive and effective. Key measures include linking the Finance Division’s Single Registry MIS with other national databases, such as the Tax Identification Number (TIN) and Savings Certificate systems, and enhancing the Social Protection Programme for Unemployed and Distressed Workers, enabling direct registration for eligible individuals. Bangladesh's RMG exports to EU reach $8.07 billion in Jan-Apr 2025 In addition, the EU called for the strengthening of contributory schemes for working-age populations and for improvements in the quality of service delivery, to help ensure that all citizens have access to adequate social protection throughout their lives. The EU underlined the importance of addressing macroeconomic and public financial management challenges, in particular by enhancing domestic revenue mobilisation, which remains notably low. It highlighted the need to safeguard human rights and encourages greater policy oversight by civil society actors. This support is part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and the Team Europe Initiative on Decent Work, which brings together more than 50 programmes and EUR 500 million in combined funding to promote labour rights, skills, and social protection in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's apparel exports to the European Union (EU) witnessed a notable surge, reaching US$8.07 billion during the January-April period of 2025, up significantly from $6.51 billion in the same period of 2024. This impressive growth represents a 23.98 percent rise in the country’s readymade garment (RMG) exports, largely fuelled by a 19.71 percent increase in export volume. According to Eurostat, the EU’s global apparel imports also saw substantial growth in the first four months of 2025, rising by 14.21 percent to a total of $32.49 billion. This overall rise was accompanied by a notable 15.84 percent increase in volume, despite a slight 1.41 percent drop in average unit prices. Bangladesh's RMG exports show moderate growth, EU remains key market Bangladesh’s performance is particularly commendable for its rising unit prices across various categories within the EU, even as China maintains its leading position and Vietnam continues to post strong results. The sector, however, faces several challenges, including growing tensions in the US market and intensifying competition from China within the EU. Besides, the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel poses significant concerns for businesses, causing trade disruptions and increased operational costs. Industry experts stress the importance of Bangladesh maintaining its competitive edge and planning strategically for sustained growth in the EU market. This includes strict compliance with forthcoming EU regulations, which are expected to influence the volume of work orders from 2025 onwards. At the same time, continued efforts to explore new markets are considered vital for diversifying Bangladesh’s export portfolio and reducing dependence on the EU and US markets. A comparative analysis of major apparel exporters to the EU during this period reveals substantial growth among several countries: China’s apparel exports to the EU reached $8.39 billion, up from $6.90 billion in the same period of 2024—an increase of 21.49 percent in value and a notable 7.37 percent rise in unit price.Vietnam posted a 15.62 percent growth, with exports totalling $1.48 billion, alongside a 5.68 percent increase in unit price. Bangladeshi apparel exports to US market grow slightly amid global market pressure India, Pakistan, and Cambodia recorded exports of $2.01 billion, $1.42 billion, and $1.56 billion respectively, with growth rates of 20.58 percent, 23.42 percent, and 31.78 percent. In contrast, Turkey experienced a 5.41 percent decline in apparel exports to the EU, totalling $3.10 billion during January-April 2025.

The European Union (EU) has said Bangladeshi peacekeepers, since 1988, have been playing an absolutely instrumental role in conflict zones around the world. "On this International Day of UN Peacekeeping, we express our recognition of this work to end conflicts and save lives," said the EU Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday. The European Union is a steadfast supporter of the UN and of the international rules based order, said the embassy, adding that "Keeping us secure. Helping Bangladesh prosper." Since 1948, when the first UN peacekeeping mission was established in the Middle East, more than two million men and women have served under the UN flag in more than 71 UN peace operations, said the UN. UNDP, EU sign deal to digitise legal aid services in Bangladesh Over 100,000 military, police and civilian personnel from 119 countries currently serve in 11 peacekeeping missions where they protect civilians and support peace efforts. This year’s theme, “The Future of Peacekeeping,” reflects the evolving nature of peace operations in a complex and rapidly changing world. The UN is actively working to modernise and adapt missions for the challenges of the future.

The European Union has called for mutual respect in trade relations after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on all EU goods entering the United States. Speaking after a call with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said, “The EU's fully engaged, committed to securing a deal that works for both.” "EU-US trade is unmatched & must be guided by mutual respect, not threats. We stand ready to defend our interests." Earlier on Friday, Trump expressed impatience with the pace of ongoing EU-US trade negotiations, saying his plan to raise tariffs on June 1 was set. Writing on social media, Trump said, "Our discussions with [the EU] are going nowhere," adding that there would be no tariffs for products built or manufactured in the US. "I'm not looking for a deal - we've set the deal," he told reporters later, before immediately adding that a big investment in the US by a European company might make him open to a delay. Judge halts Trump administration’s attempt to ban foreign student at Harvard The EU is one of the Washington's largest trading partners, sending more than $600bn (€528bn; £443bn) in goods last year and buying $370bn worth, US government figures show. Reacting to Trump's threats, European governments warned that higher tariffs would be damaging to both sides. "We do not need to go down this road," said Ireland's Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin. "Negotiations are the best and only sustainable way forward." France's Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin, said: "We are maintaining the same line: de-escalation, but we are ready to respond." German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said the bloc "must do everything" to reach a solution with the US. While Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof told reporters that he backed the EU's strategy in trade talks and "we have seen before that tariffs can go up and down in talks with the US." With inputs from BBC