DHAKA, Nov 14, 2023 (BSS) - A European Union (EU) delegation led by Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director for Asia and Pacific at the European External Action Service, today paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) here.

They discussed a range of issues including Bangladesh's availing the EU's GSP+ preferential trade benefits after the LDC graduation.

The principal secretary expressed gratitude to EU's tremendous support in the ongoing development journey of Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The EU delegation wanted to know about the next general election and human rights situation in Bangladesh.

Tofazzel said Sheikh Hasina's government had first introduced the transparent ballot box in the elections and enacted a law to form the Election Commission (EC).

Now the election commissioners are appointed by a panel judges led by the Chief Justice, he said.

He said the government is extending all out cooperation for holding a free, fair and peaceful election.

Bangladesh remains committed to ensuring human rights, labor rights and workplace safety, Tofazzel said.

Regarding garments workers' unrest, he mentioned the workers are not at all responsible for the unrest and all the incidents are politically motivated.

The innocent workers are being used by a group who wants to destabilize the situation ahead of the general election, he said.

The principal secretary highlighted Bangladesh's efforts in sustainability and green manufacturing mentioning that Bangladesh now has 220 LEED certified garment factories, the highest in the world.

The EU delegation has assured EU's support towards Bangladesh's availing GSP+ preferential trade benefits.

Charles Whiteley, Ambassador and Head of Delegation, EU Delegation to Bangladesh, Laura CORRADO, Head of Unit, International Affairs, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Monika Bylaite, Deputy Head of Division, Asia and Pacific - South Asia, European External Action Service, Alina Boiciuc, Deputy Head of Unit, Directorate-General for Trade, European Commission and Bernd Spanier, Deputy Head of Delegation, EU Delegation to Bangladesh were also present during the meeting.