EU delegation praises Bangladesh’s human rights progress

A visiting delegation from the European Union (EU) Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights has praised the government's progress in promoting human rights and expressed satisfaction with the current environment. The delegation also acknowledged the government's continued engagement, openness to dialogue, and the public’s enthusiasm for democratic participation.

“The EU will continue supporting Bangladesh’s democratic transition,” said the head of the delegation, noting that while democracy is regressing in many parts of the world, Bangladesh is progressing on the right path despite challenges.

The delegation expressed its satisfaction during a meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain in Dhaka on Thursday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs later issued a statement highlighting the discussions.

The EU team also applauded Bangladesh for providing refuge to forcibly displaced Rohingya from Myanmar and praised the government’s sustained humanitarian efforts despite resource constraints.

According to the ministry, Adviser Touhid Hossain briefed the delegation on the interim government's reform initiatives, which focus on protecting fundamental rights, upholding democratic values, and strengthening national institutions to prevent future human rights violations.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to international human rights standards and noted Bangladesh’s recent accession to key United Nations treaties, including the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the Convention Against Torture.

The adviser also discussed preparations for the next general election, scheduled for February 2026. He welcomed the EU’s support for the Bangladesh Election Commission and expressed appreciation for the upcoming visit of the EU’s pre-election exploratory mission.

Adviser Touhid emphasized the importance of continued EU leadership in keeping global attention focused on the Rohingya crisis. He called for more international support to address funding gaps in humanitarian assistance and reiterated Bangladesh’s request for the EU to play a stronger role in facilitating the safe and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya to Myanmar.

Trump hails UK special relationship during historic state visit


United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday hailed the “special relationship” between the US and the United Kingdom during his historic second state visit, describing it as one of the highest honours of his life.

The day was marked by unparalleled pomp and ceremony, as Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were treated to the full grandeur of British pageantry. The highlight came during a lavish banquet at Windsor Castle, the historic family home of British monarchs for nearly a millennium.

“The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal. It’s irreplaceable and unbreakable,” Trump declared in a rousing speech.

Referring to the so-called “special relationship,” the president added, “Seen from American eyes, the word special does not begin to do it justice.”

The speech will surely resonate with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who extended the state visit invitation shortly after Trump’s return to office in January. Known for his anglophile leanings and admiration for the British monarchy, Trump’s visit is seen as a strategic opportunity for Starmer to strengthen economic ties, attract billions of dollars in investment, ease trade tariffs, and engage on international issues including Ukraine and Israel.

Britain rolled out the royal red carpet, offering Trump the most elaborate military ceremonial welcome in living memory for a foreign leader. The US president made no secret of his delight at becoming not only the first US leader but the first elected politician ever to be invited for two state visits.