DHAKA, Jan 27, 2022 (BSS) - The European Union (EU) Ambassador
Charles Whiteley today welcomed the Bangladesh government's
willingness to allow foreign observers for the next national election.

   "I would say we very much welcomed the statement of the
(Bangladesh) Foreign Minister that Bangladesh would welcome and have
an open approach to any foreign observation missions that would wish
to come and follow the elections," he said.

   The envoy added the EU is keen to follow the polls closely.

   The ambassador made the remarks at the 'Meet the Reporters'
programme organized by the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) in the
capital.

   The envoy said EU follows elections closely all around the world
but it yet to decide in which countries it will observe pools in 2023.

   He said the incident of US sanctions on RAB would not impact on
European business interest in Bangladesh.

   While approaching for comments on the letter written by a Member of
European Parliament (MEP) to High Representative of the EU for Foreign
Affairs and Security Policy concerning Bangladesh's human rights
situation, Whiteley said the letter came from an individual not from
the European Parliament or European Union Commission.

   The envoy said the EU will further deepen the relations with
Bangladesh while witnessing the country's transition into developing
country status from an LDC status.

   DRU President Nazrul Islam Mithu and General Secretary Nurul Islam
Hasib also spoke.