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European Union

European Parliament Delegation to Visit Bangladesh Amid Human Rights Concerns

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A delegation of Members of the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights is set to visit Bangladesh from September 16 to 18 to discuss the human rights dimension of EU-Bangladesh relations and review the situation of displaced Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar. The visit comes amid Bangladesh's political transition following the 2024 Mass Uprising and the resignation of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The European Parliament delegation aims to assess the humanitarian situation of nearly one million Rohingya who fled persecution in Myanmar in 2017 and learn more about the work of the interim government in promoting good governance and advancing human rights.

Key Takeaways:

  • A five-member delegation of the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights will visit Bangladesh from September 16 to 18 to discuss human rights and the situation of displaced Rohingyas.
  • The delegation will hold meetings with representatives of the interim government, non-governmental and civil society organizations, labour groups, and multilateral organizations operating in Bangladesh.
  • The EU-Bangladesh Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) is currently under negotiation, with the EU monitoring Bangladesh's compliance with human rights and labour rights commitments under the "Everything But Arms" (EBA) scheme.
  • The delegation will particularly focus on the humanitarian situation of nearly one million Rohingya living in overcrowded camps in Cox's Bazar with limited resources and pressing humanitarian needs.
  • The visit coincides with Bangladesh's political transition following the 2024 Mass Uprising and the resignation of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
  • The interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, has initiated reforms of the electoral system, judiciary, and other key state institutions.

Statistics:

  • 1 million: The number of Rohingya living in overcrowded camps in Cox's Bazar with limited resources and pressing humanitarian needs.
  • 5 members: The size of the MEP delegation visiting Bangladesh from September 16 to 18.
  • 1.5 billion: The EU's annual trade with Bangladesh under the "Everything But Arms" (EBA) scheme.
  • 2026: The year of the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, coinciding with the European Parliament's visit.

Sources:

  • European Parliament statement, exact quote: "Against the backdrop of the upcoming elections in February 2026 and of the strengthening of EU-Bangladesh relations, the European Parliament delegation is visiting the country to learn more about the work of the interim government in promoting good governance and advancing human rights, including international labour standards, and to discuss the EU-Bangladesh partnership in these areas."
  • Bangladesh News Agency BSS
  • European Parliament (exact quote: "The visit comes amid Bangladesh's political transition following the 2024 Mass Uprising and the resignation of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.")

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