Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh Michael Miller spoke at the “DCAB Talk” organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka today. Photo: EU in Bangladesh

DHAKA, May 5, 2025 (BSS)- The European Union (EU) envoy has said timing of Bangladesh’s next general election is solely a domestic matter, while underscoring the need for adequate time to implement key reforms during the country’s ongoing political transition.

“We see this political transition as leading up to the democratic election….from the EU we don’t have any opinion on time, we are not pressuring anyone to hold election on a particular date,” said Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh Michael Miller.

The ambassador made the remarks in a “DCAB Talk” organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Jatiya Press Club here today.

Ambassador Miller said the EU supports the interim government's ambitious reform agenda and emphasised that sufficient time is necessary to implement the reforms effectively.

“We are waiting for political parties and the interim government to agree on a clearly prioritised and specific list of reforms,” he said.

“EU brings technical expertise, financing, and political will to support the reform process. We stand ready to help,” he added.

Responding to a question, he said the EU supports the work of the United Nations fact-finding mission and underlined the need for accountability for the “terrible crimes” committed during the July Uprising.

“There must have accountability, a transparent and fair process. The rights of every single person must be respected through due process,” Miller said.

He expressed hope that Bangladesh’s judicial authorities will act based on evidence and uphold justice.

On women’s rights, the EU ambassador underscored that gender equality is a core value for both the EU and the wider international community.

He said the work of Bangladesh’s Women’s Affairs Reform Commission should be examined “extremely carefully,” and all political stakeholders should be encouraged to be engaged with its recommendations.

“The recommendations are crucial. We would like to see them translated into action, and we will contribute to the effort to promote greater equality,” he said.

Regarding the Rohingya crisis, Miller praised Bangladesh for its continued humanitarian efforts in hosting the displaced population, while reiterating the EU’s support for a political solution.

“This crisis continues despite the best efforts of Bangladesh and its international partners,” he said adding “There is ongoing violence across the border, and we are working hard to facilitate a political solution- the only viable path forward.”

The ambassador reiterated the EU’s shared understanding with Bangladesh that any repatriation of Rohingya refugees must be safe, voluntary, and dignified.

As a long-standing humanitarian partner, he said the EU remains pragmatic in addressing the needs of the refugees and the host communities.
In 2025 alone, the European Union has allocated over EUR 32 million under the Joint Response Plan to support both Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh. 

Since 2017, the EU and its member states have provided nearly EUR 1 billion in humanitarian support for Rohingya refugees across the region, including those in Myanmar and neighbouring countries.

DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun also spoke at the event.