Bangladesh, EU reaffirm commitment to deepen ties

The commitment was reiterated during a courtesy meeting between European Commission Director for International Affairs, Returns and Visa Henrik Nielsen and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka, according to a ministry press release.

EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller was also present at the meeting.

Shama Obaed reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening its multifaceted partnership with the EU and appreciated the bloc’s continued support for the country’s development efforts.

Recalling recent high-level engagements between Bangladesh and the EU, she expressed satisfaction with the growing momentum in bilateral relations.

Migration and mobility cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. The state minister reiterated Bangladesh’s zero-tolerance policy toward human trafficking and all forms of irregular migration, while underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting safe, orderly and regular migration.

She welcomed the EU Talent Partnership initiative and urged EU member states to expand legal migration pathways and create more opportunities for skilled Bangladeshi workers and professionals.

The two sides also exchanged views on the EU’s forthcoming Asylum and Return Border Procedure, stressing the importance of close coordination, regular dialogue and due process in migration and return-related matters.

They highlighted ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the risks and consequences of irregular migration.

The discussions further covered a range of bilateral, regional and global issues, including political and economic developments, employment generation, skills development, the proposed Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Bangladesh’s graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category, education, sports and multilateral cooperation.

Shama Obaed thanked the EU for its continued support for forcibly displaced Rohingyas and host communities in Bangladesh. She also emphasized the need to sustain international attention to ensure the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing satisfaction over the growing partnership and reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening Bangladesh-EU relations through enhanced cooperation in areas of mutual interest.