International Affairs, Returns and Visa of the European Commission Henrik Nielsen met with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the ministry. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, June 10, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) today 
reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across a wide range of 
areas, with particular emphasis on migration, trade, skills development and 
regional issues.

The commitment was reiterated when Director for International Affairs, 
Returns and Visa of the European Commission Henrik Nielsen paid a courtesy 
call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the ministry 
here, said a foreign ministry's press release. 
 
EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller was present during the meeting.

The state minister reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to further 
strengthening its multifaceted partnership with the EU and appreciated the 
bloc's continued support for the country's development efforts.

Recalling recent high-level exchanges between Bangladesh and the EU, she 
expressed satisfaction with the growing momentum in bilateral relations.
Migration and mobility cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, 
said the release.
 
Shama Obaed reiterated Bangladesh's zero-tolerance policy against human 
trafficking and all forms of irregular migration, while underscoring the 
government's commitment to promoting safe, orderly and regular migration.

She welcomed the EU Talent Partnership initiative and urged EU member states 
to create new legal migration pathways and expand opportunities for skilled 
Bangladeshi workers and professionals.

The two sides also exchanged views on the EU's forthcoming Asylum and Return 
Border Procedure and stressed the importance of close coordination, regular 
dialogue and due process in migration and return-related matters.

They highlighted ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the risks and 
consequences of irregular migration.

The discussions also covered a broad range of bilateral, regional and global 
issues, including political and economic developments, employment generation, 
skills development, the proposed Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), 
Bangladesh's graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category, 
education, sports and multilateral cooperation.

The state minister thanked the European Union for its continued support to 
the forcibly displaced Rohingyas and host communities in Bangladesh.
She reiterated the importance of sustaining international attention to ensure 
the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas 
to Myanmar.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing satisfaction over the 
growing partnership and reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening 
Bangladesh-EU relations through enhanced cooperation in areas of mutual 
interest.