Desk Report:
Michael Miller, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, accompanied by a delegation of Ambassadors of EU Member States resident in Dhaka (Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden) paid a courtesy call on Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, on Monday (23 February, 2026). During the meeting, the Ambassadors congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for the massive victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party in the parliamentary election. They also felicitated the Foreign Minister for his new assignment.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the advancement of Bangladesh-EU relations and underscored that the partnership has evolved into a multifaceted relationship. The Ambassadors reaffirmed their intention to work closely with the present Government to further maximize the longstanding, predictable and mutually beneficial Bangladesh-EU partnership.
The Ambassadors lauded Bangladesh’s democratic transition and reaffirmed their continued engagement in support of constitutional, judicial, labour related and other important reforms. The Foreign Minister appreciated the EUs deployment of a large Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the 12 February 2026 national elections. He reiterated the Governments commitment to democratic consolidation, rule of law, and good governance.
Discussions focused in particular on trade and economic cooperation. The two sides exchanged views on the possibility of commencement of negotiations toward a comprehensive Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). They also addressed topics of mutual interest including regional and global developments, humanitarian issues, water resource management, climate change, maritime economy, migration management, skill development and employment generation.
Earlier in the day, the Ambassadors also called on Shama Obaed Islam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, to greet her on her recent appointment. The State Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to advancing this win-win relation and welcomed enhanced engagement with the European Union and its Member States in areas of shared priority.
