On 4 November, the European Union and Bangladesh met in Dhaka for their 11^th Joint Commission meeting. The Joint Commission reviewed recent political developments on both sides, including the European Parliament elections in the European Union and the subsequent changes in the leadership of the EU institutions, as well as the prospects for reforms following the setting up of an Interim Government in Bangladesh in August. The EU welcomed the reform orientation of the Interim Government led by professor Muhammad Yunus, underlined openness to support inclusive democratic reforms respectful of human rights, rule of law and good governance, and pledged to mobilise assistance and expertise to help delivery. Bangladesh and the EU recognised that the transition presented a unique opportunity to make decisive progress on human rights and reconciliation, as well as on anti-corruption. They agreed that in a period of transition and change, it was especially important to have an inclusive process, notably involving women and minority representatives, to broaden the expertise and achieve better policy outcomes. They stressed that it was likewise essential to ensure justice and accountability for all crimes and human rights violations, while respecting due process and fair trial standards at all times.

The EU and Bangladesh discussed the situation of democracy, the rule of law and good governance, including the importance of deep structural reforms that would prepare the ground for elections in Bangladesh, to be conducted according to international standards and best practices for genuine democratic elections. Bangladesh and the EU exchanged views on the advancement of the human rights of persons belonging to minorities and marginalised groups, the rights of women and children, and on cooperation on human rights in multilateral fora. The EU welcomed the Interim Government’s decision to sign the UN Convention on Enforced Disappearances and close cooperation with the Office of the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights. Pending legislative amendments, the EU called upon Bangladesh to introduce a moratorium on the death penalty as well as for an early revision of the Cyber Security Act or other legislation that could unduly restrict the freedoms of expression, association and assembly.

The EU stressed its continued support to Bangladesh on key labour rights, including in the context of work on the implementation of the National Action Plan on Labour Rights. Following up on the EBA monitoring mission of 2023, the EU urged Bangladesh to use the reform momentum and increase efforts to implement the NAP commitments. The EU emphasised that promoting and protecting the human rights of all, regardless of ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious or political affiliation, disability or socio-economic background is crucial for stability, economic growth and development. The EU will continue to explore with Bangladesh the possibilities for more cooperation and support in these areas.

The EU and Bangladesh agreed that a fully empowered and resilient civil society, in all its diversity, is a crucial component of a democracy, and as such, should be given the space it deserves in democratic transition processes in Bangladesh.

The EU reiterated its appreciation for the continued generosity of the people and Government of Bangladesh for temporarily hosting more than a million displaced Rohingyas. Both sides stressed the need for voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of Rohingyas to Myanmar, only when the conditions are met. They also stressed the importance of continued delivery of essential assistance, support, and services, to refugee as well as to local communities. The EU encouraged Bangladesh to provide perspectives to the largely young population of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas, especially in terms of health, education and livelihoods.

The EU and Bangladesh agreed on the importance of decisively establishing a predictable and sustainable business climate that will make it easier to trade and invest, removing market access barriers and promoting diversification of its economy. To this end, the EU and Bangladesh remain committed to pursuing and further strengthening the Business Climate Dialogue. They welcomed the establishment of Euro Cham, the European Chamber of Commerce.

Bangladesh welcomed the EU’s continued support for the country’s development with efforts focused on Human Capital Development, Green Inclusive Development and Inclusive Governance. The EU is prepared to work closely with the Interim Government to advance reforms. The EU support is implemented in a Team Europe approach, which unites the EU, its Member States, and their financial institutions, including in the areas of decent work and green energy transition. The EU remains a major development partner in Bangladesh’s education and social protection sectors and expressed its interest to continue leveraging investment under the Global Gateway strategy to contribute to socio-economic development in Bangladesh.

The EU and Bangladesh discussed a range of topics and priorities in the field of climate change adaptation and mitigation, with the EU reconfirming, among others, its willingness to support Bangladesh in its green energy transition and on renewable energy in particular, notably on regional hydropower generation, and energy connectivity. They underscored the importance of updated Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement and the need for mobilising adequate funding for mitigation as well as adaptation. The first meeting of the EU-Bangladesh Climate Dialogue in 2023 was an important step in coordinating and joining the efforts on both sides. 

The Joint Commission discussed the progress on joint commitments in the context of the EU-Bangladesh Migration and Mobility Dialogue, the EU-Bangladesh Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the Identification and Return of Persons without Authorisation to Stay and the ongoing development of the Talent Partnership. The EU appreciated efforts to implement the SOPs and encouraged Bangladesh to seek further concrete results on the readmission of Bangladeshi nationals not entitled to stay in the EU, as well as welcomed increasing efforts towards deepening mutual cooperation on migration management. 

The EU and Bangladesh discussed the political and security situation in the region, including maritime security, as well as counterterrorism and cooperation within the UN fora.

Two subgroup meetings were held in the run up to the Joint Commission and reported their findings at the meeting. The subgroup on economic and trade cooperation issues was held on 22 October 2024, while the sub group on Human Right and Good Governance met on 31 October.

The Joint Commission was co-chaired by Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary, Economic Relations Division of ministry of Finance, and Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director, ASIAPAC, External Action Service of the European Union.