German ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz opines Bangladesh's looming decision on whether to purchase Airbus aircraft from France could influence the broader climate of its economic relations with Germany and the European Union.
According to the envoy the choice would affect the "overall atmosphere" of bilateral business ties at a time when reliability is of central importance to Germany as Bangladesh's largest European trading partner.
Speaking at a DCAB talk hosted by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Bangladesh at the National Press Club Wednesday, Dr Lotz said Berlin closely follows Dhaka's major procurement decisions, particularly when they involve strategic sectors like aviation.
"A decision on aircraft purchase could have an impact, not necessarily severe consequences, but certainly an effect on the overall atmosphere of bilateral economic relations," he told reporters. "Germany values reliability in major business decisions."
His remarks come amid discussions within the Bangladeshi government about a potential Airbus deal, a move seen as part of a broader effort to diversify suppliers. Recently, purchase of US Boeing came up during tariff negotiations that led to a pared-down duty on Bangladeshi exports.
The European diplomat devoted much of his address to Bangladesh's upcoming national elections, expected to be the most consequential in more than a decade following last year's political transition. Germany, he says, wants the polls to be "free, fair, and participatory".
And these standards require both unfettered citizen participation and meaningful competition among political parties.
"When we say free, fair, and participatory elections, we mean that citizens must be able to take part in the process without obstruction, men and women alike," he says. "And that multiple political parties should be able to contest in a peaceful, intimidation-free environment."
He emphasises that credible polls would require a non-violent campaign period, space for peaceful political expression, and accurate and transparent vote counting.
A high turnout, he says, would signal public confidence in the process.
Citing an earlier comment by Chief Adviser of the interim government Muhammad Yunus, he suggests that a turnout near 60 per cent would be a "reasonable and positive benchmark" for legitimacy.
Dr Lotz also notes that the European Union is likely to deploy a large election-observer mission-an indication of what he calls Bangladesh's "strategic importance" and the global community's expectations for credible polls. "You will have our support," he assures.
Turning to domestic politics, the ambassador argues that Bangladesh needs a long-term process of national reconciliation after years of polarised political life. "What the country needs, in the long run or even the short run, is a process of national reconciliation, a dialogue that brings the country together."
DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md. Arifuzzaman Mamun also spoke at the event.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.con
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