Paola Pampaloni, acting managing director for Asia-Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS), said on Wednesday that the European Union and Bangladesh are expected to finalize negotiations on a Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (PCA) soon.
Pampaloni made the remarks during a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.
The meeting covered a range of issues, including Bangladesh–EU relations, PCA negotiations, the upcoming general election and referendum, combating illegal migration, and expanding trade and investment.
Pampaloni noted that negotiations on the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement, initiated in November 2024, follow a 20-year period under a general partnership agreement.
She congratulated Yunus for the “incredible and massive” work he has undertaken since assuming leadership of the Interim Government in August last year, particularly in carrying out important reforms valued by the EU as Bangladesh’s political and largest commercial partner, and for ensuring peace and stability during a critical period for the country.
“It was remarkable. It was very closely followed and appreciated by the European Union,” she said, adding that when the Interim Government took office, the ambition for reforms was huge.
Pampaloni welcomed the progress made on the PCA, saying the pact would deepen ties between the EU and Bangladesh and open significant opportunities in trade and investment.
In response, Yunus thanked the EU for its sustained support over the past 17 months and described the PCA as one of the most important agreements for Bangladesh, saying it would “solidify” Bangladesh–EU relations.
The EU official emphasized that the EU attaches top priority to its relationship with Bangladesh, reflected in its decision to deploy a high-level election observation mission for the February 12 general election. The head of the mission is expected to arrive later this week to hold meetings with political leaders and relevant authorities.
Yunus said both the general election and the referendum are crucial for Bangladesh’s democratic transition. He noted that political parties have endorsed the July Charter and are expected to campaign for “yes” votes in the referendum.
“I don’t think any party will seek a ‘no’ vote,” he said.
The chief adviser reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the vote will be free, fair, participatory, and peaceful. “People in this country have not been able to vote in free and fair election for the past 16 years under autocratic rule,” he said. “This time, they will vote in a festive manner.”
Pampaloni stressed the importance of a peaceful election, saying that Bangladesh–EU relations could reach new heights following a successful democratic transition, ushering in a new era of engagement between Dhaka and the world’s largest economic bloc.
Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy of the Chief Adviser; Lamiya Morshed, SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary; and Michael Miller, European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh, were also present at the meeting.
