Mr. Bernd Spanier, CDA, a.i. of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh paid an introductory courtesy call on Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md. Touhid Hossain on 14 August 2024 Wednesday at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka.
Referring to the unfortunate incidents of invaluable loss of lives during the recent students-led mass uprising in Bangladesh, Mr. Bernd offered expertise and assistance of the EU into its investigation, if required. Hon’ble Adviser appreciated the proposal and assured of exploring a suitable arrangement in due course. The Hon’ble Adviser outlined the priorities of the Interim Government, particularly reforms of the electoral system and economic structure as well as meaningful changes in the human rights domain. The CDA expressed satisfaction over the improvement of the law-and-order situation within a short period of time and expressed the EU’s interest in supporting reforms in election management and anti-corruption measures. The Adviser welcomed the proposals and added that preventing corruption, and reforming governance and financial system are at the top of the Interim Government’s agenda.
The Adviser requested support from the EU in improving quality of education, particularly in rural areas of Bangladesh. Appreciating the Bangladesh-EU Talent Partnership programme for the legal migration of skilled workers from Bangladesh to the EU Member States, he observed that creation of legal pathways will discourage irregular entries into EU by Bangladeshis to a large extent.
As the CDA assured of continued support for the Rohingyas, the Hon’ble Adviser reiterated that safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland Myanmar is the only solution to this crisis and called for creating conducive environment in Myanmar in this regard.
Both sides also discussed further scope of cooperation in trade and investment, including GSP+; human rights and labour rights; climate change, including renewable energy under the EU’s Global Gateway; and maritime safety.