EU call for dialogue renewed

The European Union stands by its position on the need for dialogue between major parties to resolve the political crisis in Bangladesh that arose out of election issue, as EU Ambassador in Dhaka William Hanna once again said that the standoff stands in the way of trade, business and development.

Besides political problem, he identified, among others, underdeveloped infrastructure and regulatory framework as some major obstacles hindering foreign investment in the country.

"We encourage updating of the regulatory system and investments in better infrastructure," said the outgoing envoy at a talk show arranged at a local hotel Tuesday by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association in Bangladesh (DCAB).

The EU is the largest market for Bangladesh and there has been a sharp increase in trade between Bangladesh and the European countries recently. Bangladesh's exports to the EU market as a whole have gone up by 57 per cent over the last three years.

"This success is due to the dynamism, hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of Bangladesh as well as to the duty-free access the EU provides to all goods from this country," said the ambassador.

He told the journalists that the European Union is eager to increase its investment, especially direct investment, in the country. "Increased EU foreign direct investment will assist the country in reaching a higher growth and reducing poverty further," said Hanna.

To make this happen, he stressed the need for an investment-friendly environment, by way of addressing the problems.

He also identified corruption as another stumbling block. To eradicate corruption, the European diplomat stressed the need for strengthening the internal auditing system.  

To have a congenial atmosphere, the EU ambassador, also the head of EU delegation, urged all political parties to engage in dialogue to find a way out to lead the country towards prosperity.

"Dialogue is as necessary as ever," Hanna categorically said, adding that confrontation and violence is never the way forward.

He mentioned that the EU took action through the 'Sustainability Compact' to promote better labour rights and a more responsible supply-chain management in garment manufacturing in Bangladesh.

"The EU private sector is also playing its part to make sure factories are safe through the Accord," said the ambassador.

The outgoing ambassador, who is leaving the country this month, expressed satisfaction over the excellent relationship between Bangladesh and the EU. He appreciated the progress made in the field of economy and in reducing poverty over the past few years.

He, however, expressed his concern over political violence, shrinking space for civil-society organizations and deteriorating respect for human rights in Bangladesh in the aftermath of the January elections.

The elections were boycotted by the mainline opposition led by BNP amid a crisis having stemmed from their demand for holding the polls under a non-party administration.

DCAB President Mainul Alam and General Secretary Angur Nahar Monty conducted the meet-the-press discussion styled 'DCAB talk'.