EU Calls for Peaceful Bangladesh Polls, Supports Democratic Transition

Acting Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Paola Pampaloni meets Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday.

The European Union (EU) on Wednesday emphasized the importance of a peaceful election in Bangladesh, saying the country’s successful democratic transition could strengthen ties with the EU and open a new era of engagement.

Acting Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Paola Pampaloni met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. She said the EU prioritizes its relationship with Bangladesh, reflected in the deployment of a high-level EU election observation mission for the February 12 general election.

The head of the EU Election Observation Mission is expected to arrive later this week and hold meetings with political leaders and relevant authorities.

Prof Yunus described both the general election and the upcoming referendum as critical for Bangladesh’s democratic transition. He said political parties have endorsed the July Charter and expressed confidence in campaigning for “yes” votes in the referendum.

“The vote this time will be free, fair, participatory, and peaceful. People in this country have not had the chance to vote freely for the past 16 years under autocratic rule. This time, they will vote in a festive manner,” Prof Yunus said.

He also highlighted the Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) as a key milestone that will solidify Bangladesh-EU relations.

During the meeting, both sides discussed a wide range of issues, including the PCA negotiations, the upcoming general elections and referendum, combating illegal migration, and expanding trade and investment. Pampaloni noted that the PCA negotiations, initiated in November 2024, followed a general partnership agreement that had been in place for 20 years.

Pampaloni praised Prof Yunus for the “incredible and massive” reforms undertaken since the interim government assumed office in August last year, especially efforts to ensure peace and stability. She said the EU closely followed and appreciated these initiatives.

The senior EU official welcomed the progress on the PCA, emphasizing that the agreement would deepen ties and create significant opportunities for trade and investment.

Prof Yunus expressed gratitude for the EU’s continued support of the interim government over the past 17 months.

Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy of the Chief Adviser; Lamiya Morshed, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator and Senior Secretary; and Michael Miller, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, also attended the meeting.