Dhaka: The European Union views its relationship with Bangladesh through a new lens, moving beyond the traditional donor-recipient framework toward an 'eye-to-eye partnership of equals,' said EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller. 'This is a relationship that has become broader, deeper, and more strategic in the last period. We are actually looking at the relationship through a new lens, we're looking at Bangladesh as a partner of growing strategic importance.'
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Ambassador made the remarks at an event held at Dhaka University on Tuesday, titled 'Meet the Ambassador: Talking Diplomacy for Cooperation' organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS). Miller emphasized a natural convergence between the EU and Bangladesh, highlighting Bangladesh's appreciation for multilateralism, international law, and its significant contributions to UN peacekeeping efforts.
Noting that Bangladesh is experiencing a pivotal transition, the ambassador stated that the EU supports reform ambitions that foster trust between citizens and institutions, promoting openness, stability, and prosperity. He cautioned that change is not immediate, referencing expectations for swift transitions post-August 2024 and sharing insights from European reform experiences.
Economic ties form a cornerstone of EU-Bangladesh relations, with the EU as Bangladesh's leading export destination, receiving about half of the country's exports valued at over £23 billion in 2025. Addressing Bangladesh's LDC graduation, Miller remarked on its significance and expressed readiness to explore a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), contingent on Bangladesh undertaking necessary reforms to enhance trade, intellectual property protection, and competition fairness.
Miller pointed out that while EU companies can contribute across various sectors in Bangladesh, investor confidence needs bolstering through transparency, policy predictability, regulatory clarity, and a level playing field. He stressed that the reform agenda is crucial not only politically but economically as well.
Since the onset of the Rohingya crisis in 2017, the EU has provided over 500 million euros, with more than 50 million allocated this year for humanitarian aid, development, and accountability, supporting both Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox's Bazar. Ambassador Miller emphasized the Indo-Pacific's centrality to the EU's global strategy, underscoring Bangladesh's strategic significance due to its geography, economic stature, and role in regional stability.
The event saw participation from political leaders, civil society members, academics, students, researchers, and media professionals, focusing on Bangladesh-Europe relations, academic collaboration, youth engagement, and shared interests. CGS President Zillur Rahman highlighted the series' goal to advance diplomacy beyond formal statements and closed-door meetings, fostering meaningful discussions on societal issues, especially those impacting the younger generation.
Executive Director of the Centre for Governance Studies Parvez Karim Abbasi expressed gratitude to participants and detailed the Meet the Ambassador initiative's philosophy, aiming to bridge diplomatic engagements with broader communities, highlighting the University of Dhaka's historic role in political and intellectual spheres.