Interim Govt Must Be Given Adequate Time for Reforms: EU Envoy

Michael Miller, the European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh, has stated that the EU is not placing any pressure on Bangladesh regarding its upcoming national election. However, he emphasized the importance of giving the interim government sufficient time to implement necessary reforms before the election takes place.

Ambassador Miller made these remarks on Monday while speaking at a "DCAB Talk" event organized by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the National Press Club in Dhaka.

In response to questions from journalists, Miller reiterated the EU's support for free and fair elections and expressed the Union's willingness to assist with the electoral process. "The decision on when the election will be held rests solely with the Government of Bangladesh," he said. "But meaningful reforms require adequate time, and the interim government should be allowed the space to work on them."

When asked about humanitarian corridors in Myanmar's Rakhine state, the Ambassador stressed that humanitarian assistance is urgently needed on both sides and must be distributed equitably among affected populations.

Commenting on the civil unrest in Bangladesh during July and August, Miller said, "We support the United Nations' report, which clearly outlines the situation. The next step is ensuring accountability through Bangladesh's judicial system. Justice must be served transparently."

He further stated that recent political developments in Bangladesh present a significant opportunity for reform. "We hope that both the political parties and the interim government will work together toward this goal," he added.

Regarding the repatriation of funds laundered to EU countries, the Ambassador said that the Bangladesh government must engage with individual member states using proper documentation and evidence to initiate the process.

Finally, Miller underscored that the future of EU–Bangladesh relations will be grounded in the principles of fundamental rights and economic potential. "In my lifetime, I've seen nearly half of Europe transition from authoritarian regimes to democracy," he said. "Bangladesh is now undergoing a similar transformation."

The event was also attended by DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Arifuzzaman Mamun.