EU Ambassador Michael Miller hopes for a return to democratic order in Bangladesh through credible elections, as global concerns grow over political repression. UN and HRW criticise the interim government’s bans on political parties, calling for inclusive reforms ahead of the February election.
The European Union’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, has expressed optimism about the restoration of democratic order in the country, urging for a free, fair, and credible national election. His comments came during a meeting with senior leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Dhaka, amid growing international concern over political repression and a shrinking democratic space under the interim government.
Ambassador Miller met with BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury at the party chairperson’s office on Thursday. BNP Organising Secretary Shama Obaed was also present during the meeting, which local media reported focused on the electoral process, workers’ rights, and future cooperation between the EU and Bangladesh.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Khosru stated that the EU, like many other international partners, is waiting for an elected government to be installed before defining its next steps in diplomatic and development engagement.
“The first thing discussed was the national election. Since it is expected in February, everyone hopes the country will return to democratic order. They prefer to work with a legitimate, elected government,” Khosru said, as quoted by UNB.
He noted that the EU is interested in supporting Bangladesh’s Parliament in functioning independently and effectively, with transparency and accountability. Discussions also included the rights and working conditions of Bangladeshi laborers—a critical issue for both the EU and Bangladesh, especially in light of existing trade relationships and labor compliance requirements under EU regulations.
Khosru further added that the EU is exploring new methods of funding and partnership to boost Bangladesh’s economic development. “They want to be a development partner of Bangladesh, and that is a positive signal for our future cooperation,” he said.
Mounting International Concerns Over Democratic Backsliding
The EU envoy’s comments come at a time when Bangladesh is under increasing scrutiny from international human rights bodies and foreign governments. Last week, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk voiced deep concern over recent legislative changes under the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus. These changes permit the banning of political parties and their associated activities—a move critics say severely threatens democratic freedoms.
Addressing the 59th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Turk stated, “I am concerned about recent changes to legislation to allow the banning of political parties and organisations and all related activities. This unduly restricts the freedoms of association, expression, and assembly. I urge meaningful reforms to create an environment for free and inclusive elections.”
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) had earlier presented a fact-finding report on Bangladesh, pointing out the dangers of such prohibitions. According to the report, banning political parties would prevent a genuine shift to multiparty democracy, effectively disenfranchising large portions of the electorate.
Human Rights Watch Slams Repressive Measures
Echoing the UN’s concerns, Human Rights Watch (HRW) also criticised the interim government’s recent actions. In a strongly worded statement, HRW condemned the use of amended anti-terror laws to suppress political expression, particularly targeting the Awami League, the party of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“On May 12, the interim government ordered a ‘temporary’ ban on the Awami League under a draconian amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act,” HRW said. “The ban affects all forms of communication and association related to the party—meetings, media content, online speech, and social media activity. This severely undermines freedom of speech and political association.”
HRW also noted that the ban is indefinite, pending trials for party leaders that could take years, effectively banning the Awami League from the political landscape in the long term.
UN Chief Reiterates Call for Inclusive Elections
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also weighed in on the situation, calling for inclusive elections that consider the voices of women, youth, minorities, and indigenous communities. He urged the interim government under Yunus “to continue to make every effort” toward inclusivity and transparency.
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As pressure mounts from the international community, the upcoming election is increasingly seen as a litmus test for Bangladesh’s democratic future. The EU’s renewed engagement with political actors and its commitment to partnering with a future elected government sends a strong signal: democratic legitimacy remains the cornerstone of global cooperation with Bangladesh.
