EU envoy meets Jamaat chief, discusses polls, reforms

Michael Miller, European Union (EU) ambassador to Bangladesh, on Thursday held a courtesy meeting with Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and opposition leader in parliament.

They discussed bilateral relations, political developments and democratic governance issues at the meeting held at noon in the office of the opposition leader in the parliament complex.

Meeting sources said the talks focused on post-election democratic processes, strengthening democratic institutions and issues related to political reforms, including implementation of the recent referendum verdict.

Both sides also discussed the importance of ensuring that upcoming local government elections are held in a free, fair and credible manner, laying emphasis on administrative and institutional measures aimed at maintaining transparency and voter confidence.

The EU ambassador expressed interest in continued engagement with Bangladeshi political stakeholders on governance and democratic transition issues. Both sides also voiced hope for stronger Bangladesh-EU cooperation in the future.

The EU delegation included Sebastian Rieger Brown, political first secretary at the EU mission in Dhaka.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman was accompanied by Barrister Mir Ahmad bin Qasem Arman, adviser on foreign affairs, and Mohammad Nazrul Islam, assistant private secretary.

The meeting is viewed as part of the ongoing diplomatic engagement surrounding electoral reform and democratic transition in Bangladesh.