‎EU diplomats may meet BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman Monday

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‎Diplomatic Correspondent: European Union (EU) diplomats in Dhaka are expected to meet BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Monday, January 19, 2026 and express their commitment to democratic process as Bangladesh is going through national elections to be held on February 12, 2026, said several diplomats while talking to this correspondent at the Nordic Day reception on Thursday night 
‎EU countries expect to see a credible, impartial, transparent parliament elections through a representative parliament will work in the greater interest of Bangladesh, said a EU diplomat 
‎Most of the EU diplomats have returned to Dhaka after enjoying yearly-leave.
‎Meanwhile, EU diplomats will discuss some pressing issues like high human rights, good governance, restoring sound law and order situation, protection to minorities, secularism, better business environment, cut in corruption and reconciliation of the country with a view to moving the country into path democracy and economic development, diplomatic source said.
‎EU diplomats are expecting to raise social, economic, cultural and political engagement with Bangladesh.
‎EU diplomats are likely to express their expectations that political parties will work together to skip violence in the next parliament elections to be held on February 12, 2026.
‎Meanwhile, Bangladesh has been in a catch-22 situation as Brussels will urge Dhaka to reduce tariffs on products of the European Union (EU) against the backdrop of Dhaka’s offer to Washington to reduce tariffs on products of the USA.
‎The US is the largest market for Bangladeshi readymade garments. Bangladesh exported about $8.4 billion in goods to America in 2024, of which $7.34 billion was readymade garments.
‎Meanwhile, the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham) urges the interim government to avoid discrimination against European Union (EU) companies, as Bangladesh considers offering substantial trade concessions to the United States, said Nuria Lopez, Chairperson of EuroCham Bangladesh
‎The EU is Bangladesh’s largest and most reliable trading partner, accounting for half of all exports, with longstanding duty free and quota free preferential access granted to Bangladesh under the everything but Arms scheme since 2001, said Nuria Lopez.
‎Nuria Lopez, former president of Spain–Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also said that Bangladesh enjoys a notably higher trade surplus with the EU compared to its other trade partners. Out of a total €22 billion trade in 2024, EU exports accounted for only €2 billion, resulting in a trade balance strongly in favor of Bangladesh. High tariffs and non-tariff barriers hinder EU companies’ efforts to do business with and export to Bangladesh.
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‎EuroCham encourages the Government to reaffirm its commitment to a rules-based trading system and to pursue essential trade policy and customs reforms, while ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all trading partners, said Nuria Lopez..
‎EuroCham stands ready to collaborate with the Government in addressing current challenges and to support a smooth and sustainable transition in the post-LDC graduation phase.
‎EuroCham is a business initiative that is actively supported by the European Union Delegation and the EU Member States in Bangladesh. The Chamber will serve as a centre of excellence, promoting business relations between European investors and their counterparts in the country.
‎Meanwhile, newly-appointed US Resident Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Thomas Christensen will meet BNP chairperson 
‎Tarique Rahman soon. This is a routine meeting with diplomats that is happening since January 6, 2026, said a BNP standing committee member while talking to this correspondent on Thursday night
‎Meanwhile, newly appointed US Resident Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Thomas Christensen today presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
‎Welcoming the new US Ambassador at Bangabhaban, the President hoped that relations between the two countries would be further enhanced, in the days to come, in the fields of trade, investment, education and culture.
‎The new US envoy expressed his determination to make all-out efforts in this regard and to make Bangladesh-US relations deeper, more multidimensional and fruitful.
‎Thomas Christensen sought the President's full cooperation in discharging his duties.