Dhaka, Feb 6 – The European Union (EU) has said it will consider its support to strengthen the Election Commission (EC) in Bangladesh if any specific request is made after formation of the new EC.“….(if there’s) any specific request, of course, we’ll consider this request,” EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Bangladesh Pierre Mayaudon told reporters at his residence on Monday as the EU does not have any project aiming to strengthen the EC right now.
The Ambassador said the EU has long been a partner of Bangladesh and mentioned that within a few days or hours they will know the composition of new election commission.
“We’ve to let them sit down and discuss within themselves if they express (interest) towards the international community, donor partners and the EU given our longstanding partnership,” said Mayaudon.
Responding to a question on Rohingya relocation plan, the Ambassador said their understanding is that the initiative is still at the initial stage. “So, we’re very eager to learn more about the modalities, ways and means.”
On Sunday, Bangladesh sought support from its international partners in implementing the relocation plan of Rohingyas to Hatiya by providing assistance in developing the island and transporting the Myanmar nationals living in Bangladesh to the new place of their residence.
“If we’re requested to provide assistance of course we’re ready to consider it. At this moment, we don’t have enough information which are needed for us to provide response,” the envoy said.
Huge population, numbering more than 400,000, including the newly arrived 69,000 is living mainly in Cox’s Bazar in two registered camps and makeshift settlements.
The government of Bangladesh has decided to relocate this population to Thengar Char, an Island next to Hatiya Island in the Bay of Bengal to ensure humanitarian assistance to the Myanmar nationals.
Mayaudon said they never miss any opportunity to raise their concerns regarding Rohingya situation in Myanmar and they will continue to support to resolve the Rohingya issue.
He said the EU always requests Myanmar to take necessary steps and they will continue to do that. “We’ve constant dialogue with all stakeholders in Myanmar to make it clear what is happening there is absolutely unacceptable.”
He appreciated Bangladesh’s role saying the country is making space for Rohingyas despite having its domestic challenges.
Appreciating the role of civil society organisations in Bangladesh, he said, “If you consider the fantastic progress made by Bangladesh since independence, we’ve to praise the role of civil society organisations, NGOs in so many sectors.”
Expressing concern about particular provisions of the foreign donation act related to freedom of expression, the EU envoy said they continue to discuss and engage with the authorities to make sure that the new piece of legislation and its rules are ‘supportive of more advocacy, accountability, better dialogue between NGOs and CSOs’.
He also said the dialogue in this regard is not over and they intend to continue engaging with the government to make sure that the implementing rules of the do not have any negative impact.
The Ambassador said the civil society of Bangladesh is and will be important contributor of socioeconomic development of the country in partnership with the local authority. “Our aspiration is that Bangladesh will continue to be a NGO- friendly one.” – UNB
