CDA, a.i. of European Delegation to Bangladesh pays a courtesy call to Hon’ble Foreign Affairs Adviser Mr. Bernd Spanier, CDA, a.i. of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh paid an introductory courtesy call to Hon’ble Adviser for Foreign Affairs Mr. Md. Touhid Hossain this afternoon at the latter’s office.
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 in its investigation, if required. The 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 improving the law-and-order situation within a short period 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 the financial system are at the top of the Interim Government’s agenda.
The Adviser requested support from the EU in improving the quality of education, particularly in rural areas of Bangladesh. Appreciating the Bangladesh-EU Talent Partnership program for the legal migration of skilled workers from Bangladesh to the EU Member States, he observed that the creation of legal pathways would discourage irregular entries into the 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 a conducive environment in Myanmar in this regard.
Both sides also discussed the further scope of cooperation in trade and investment, including GSP+; human rights and labor rights; climate change, including renewable energy under the EU’s Global Gateway; and maritime safety.