Tarique Rahman Urges Expanded EU Support for Bangladesh Post-Election

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman met with a European Union delegation on Tuesday to discuss Bangladesh’s development and the upcoming national elections.

During the meeting at the party’s Gulshan office, Rahman expressed hope that the EU would take a more active role in supporting the country’s progress to ensure direct benefits for its citizens.

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan briefed reporters after the session, noting that the EU representatives, led by Ambassador Michael Miller, pledged increased assistance to Bangladesh moving forward.

The discussions covered the conduct of the upcoming polls, the BNP’s strategic role, and post-election development frameworks. Quoting the Acting Chairman, Nazrul stated that the BNP remains committed to a peaceful, free, and fair election on the scheduled date. "The people of Bangladesh have long been deprived of their right to vote," Nazrul said. "They are eager to express their aspirations through the ballot box."

The EU delegation also inquired about future plans for labor welfare. Rahman highlighted the BNP’s historical role in promoting workers' rights—citing the establishment of labor courts and the Labor Welfare Foundation—and reaffirmed the party's commitment to further legislative reforms.

On the topic of election monitoring, Nazrul confirmed that the EU plans to deploy a large team of observers across the country. He noted that their presence would significantly enhance the credibility of the process, marking a shift from previous election cycles where the EU did not send observers.

The BNP delegation included Nazrul Islam Khan, Ismail Zabihullah, Humayun Kabir, and Mahdi Amin. The EU team featured Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Director for Asia and the Pacific; Monika Bylaite, Sub-regional Head for South Asia; and Legal Adviser Rastislav Spak.