EU Applauds Bangladesh’s Efforts to Advance Human Rights

The European Union (EU) today congratulated Bangladesh for their initiative to enhance human rights, according to official sources.

The remarks were delivered at a meeting between a delegation from the European Union, led by Eamon Gilmore, Special Representative for Human Rights, and Md. Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which took place at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in this city.

During the meeting, which lasted for more than an hour and started at 10:00 am, Gilmore also expressed gratitude for the Awami League government's intention to amend the nation's labor legislation and the Digital Security Act.

When reached, PM's Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tusher acknowledged that the meeting was held but would not provide any details.

The development of human rights in Bangladesh, sending EU observers ahead of the next general election, the Digital Security Act, and labor law were among the topics that were prominently discussed in the meeting, according to official sources. The PM's Principal Secretary assured the special representatives that the Bangladeshi government would give the EU any assistance they needed.

He also urged the EU to ensure that when Bangladesh has successfully graduated from being a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a developed country, its exports to EU members will rise even more.

European External Action Service (EEAS) Political Adviser Viktor Velek, Ambassador Charles Whiteley and First Secretary (Political) Sebastian Riger-Brown, among others, were present.

Gilmore, who arrived in Dhaka on Monday on a six-day visit, will hold meetings with government officials and other stakeholders to discuss human rights issues.

He will also discuss with concerned government officials over the Rohingya issue and will visit refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Gilmore is likely to hold meetings with Law Minister Anisul Haq, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam.