BNP on Thursday said that European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller expressed hope that democratic order would soon be restored in Bangladesh through a free, fair, and credible national election.
He conveyed this hope during a meeting with BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Khasru said: “The first topic discussed was the election. Since it is scheduled to be held in February, everyone feels relieved and satisfied. They hope we are moving closer to the election and that the country will soon return to a democratic order.”
Khasru added: “Like other foreign friends, he said the EU is waiting for an elected government before deciding on its future course of action, including both short-term and long-term plans.
“They feel more comfortable working with an elected government, and we had detailed discussions on this matter.”
He also said that the issues concerning workers' rights in Bangladesh were discussed during the meeting.
Khasru noted that the EU wants to cooperate with the future parliament to ensure its activities are carried out independently, properly, and with accountability.
He added that the transparency and independence of the judiciary were also discussed. “They support the BNP's proposal to establish a separate secretariat to ensure the judiciary functions independently, and they are willing to provide funding for it.”
The BNP leader said the European Union wants to be a development partner of Bangladesh in the future.
In addition to their current aid and loans, he said the EU is considering new methods of financial support.
“They are exploring alternative funding mechanisms. They want to cooperate economically with the next government and become a long-term development partner of Bangladesh. This is a positive sign,” Khasru added.
