The government has briefed a European Union delegation on political developments, including the upcoming general elections to be held at the end of 2018.
The issue was discussed at the third Bangladesh – EU Diplomatic Consultations in Dhaka Thursday.
Foreign Secretary Md. Shahidul Haque led the Bangladesh side while Gunnar Wiegand, Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific, EU External Action Service, led the EU side, says a foreign ministry press release.
The third consultation was held in a constructive and cordial atmosphere, covering a wide range of issues of common interest.
The agenda included political developments on both sides: Brexit, trade and investment - including Everything But Arms, Strategy for Post-LDC Bangladesh relations with the EU, and other issues of bilateral importance.
Matters of regional and global interest where the EU and Bangladesh can intensify collaboration were also discussed, such as Rohingya crisis, connectivity, migration, peace and security, terrorism, Agenda 2030.
In the meeting, the EU team briefed on political developments in Europe, including BREXIT negotiations.
The visitors appreciated the fact that despite severe space and resource constraints Bangladesh is bearing a significant burden by hosting more than a million persecuted Rohingyas from Myanmar.
They commended Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her humanitarian response towards the Rohingyas.
Bangladesh expressed deep appreciation for the EU’s strong international support, including at the UN and other international/UN fora and significant humanitarian assistance in that context.
Both sides agreed that sustained international pressure upon the Myanmar authorities is needed.
They agreed to continue to work closely with the international community, particularly at the UN and other international fora, with a view to create conducive environment in the northern Rakhine State so that the Rohingya can return in safety and security to their ancestral homes in Myanmar.
Both sides agreed that trade is an important tool in tackling poverty, and that increasing bilateral trade would bring significant benefits to both sides.
Bangladesh appreciated sustained commitment from the EU to continue to provide tariff-free market access for Bangladeshi goods to the EU market, under the Everything But Arms (EBA) regime. Both sides looked forward to strengthening the trade and investment relationship in the future.
The EU and Bangladesh expressed satisfaction at the current state of implementation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding the return of irregular migrants with no right to stay in the EU, including consecutive Joint Working Group Meetings, respectively, held in Brussels (December 2017) and Dhaka (April 2018).
Bangladesh appreciated the EU for supporting projects on awareness raising campaign against irregular migration and reintegration of returnees upon return.