Khosru said the discussion mainly focused on the upcoming national election, expected to be held in the first half of February, and the overall electoral process.

He said the EU has always played an important role in Bangladesh’s electoral process and will continue to do so this time as well.

The BNP leader said the talks also covered several issues, including the economy, trade relations, institutional reforms, and the importance of strengthening democracy in Bangladesh.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s strong economic ties with the EU, Khosru said the country’s ready-made garments sector has grown significantly thanks to the EU’s duty-free market access. “They want to continue this support, and in the coming days, they want Bangladesh-EU trade relations to remain strong and uninterrupted.”

The EU also expressed its willingness to continue supporting efforts to make democracy in Bangladesh more institutional and sustainable, he added.

Khosru said the EU is also keen to help create an environment where people can enjoy freedom of expression and democratic rights.

“We welcome this initiative. If we want democracy in Bangladesh to continue, we must make it institutional. The elements that make democracy work also need to be institutionalised, and the institutions themselves must function independently. We need to restore our democratic culture and revive the values that have been lost.”