Dhaka: EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib announced today that the European Union (EU) stands firmly with the people of Bangladesh in their quest for reforms under the interim government. "I am with you, and the European Union is with you in supporting the reform ambitions for the interim government. Human rights and democratic values are the cornerstone of EU-Bangladesh relations," she stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Lahbib made these remarks at the launch of the book Bangladesh 36 July 2024, held at Bookworm in Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park, Gulshan. The EU Mission in Dhaka published this book, which highlights street paintings and graffiti portraying the repression experienced during the July-August demonstrations and the public's aspirations for a new Bangladesh.
Lahbib reiterated the EU's dedication to Bangladesh, stressing the robustness of their partnership. "We are strong and reliable humanitarian, development, and trading partners. Bangladesh-EU partnership is a strategic choice rooted in our shared values. You can count on my support, and you can count on the support of the European Union," she affirmed.
She further emphasized the importance of the artwork in illustrating public resistance and the demand for change, recalling the violent suppression of peaceful protests in Bangladesh the previous year. "Last year, we all witnessed the violence against peaceful demonstrations during the July-August uprising," she noted.
EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller also addressed the gathering with a welcome speech.