President
Mohammed Shahabuddin has called upon the international community, including the
European Union (EU), to come forward to ensure the repatriation of Rohingyas to
Myanmar with safety and dignity.
“We
appreciate the EU for its humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas and its
commitment towards a durable solution to the crisis,” the President said when
newly appointed EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael William Miller presented
his credentials to him at Bangabhaban today (Thursday, October 3).
The
Head of the State hoped that the UN, the EU, and other partners would undertake
effective actions for the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar with safety and
dignity.
After
the meeting, President’s Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin briefed the BSS about its outcome.
The President highly appreciated the EU’s strong support for Bangladesh over the last five decades in its path toward inclusive growth, sustainable development, and poverty reduction.
He
said the EU, a political and economic union of 27 member states, is now Bangladesh's largest export destination and a significant development partner.
President
Shahabuddin called for the continuation of duty-free quota facilities in the European Union after Bangladesh graduates from LDC status in 2029.
Bangladesh
is keen to see the widening and deepening of its relations with the EU,
particularly in the areas of climate change and green transition, education and
skills development, connectivity, and investment promotion, he added.
During
the meeting with the EU ambassador, the President said Bangladesh welcomes
greater engagement with the EU against human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
The
President sought the cooperation of the European Union to promote the safe, orderly, and regular migration of skilled workers and professionals from
Bangladesh to the EU.
He hoped that the existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the EU would deepen and expand in the days ahead.
President
Shahabuddin assured the EU ambassador of providing full support from the
authorities concerned in discharging his assignment in Bangladesh as the EU
ambassador sought the cooperation of the President.
On
his arrival at the Bangabhaban, a smartly turned-out contingent of the
horse-mounted President Guard Regiment (PGR) extended him the Guard of Honour
as part of the ceremony.
President's
Office Senior Secretary Nasimul Ghani, Military Secretary Major General
Mohammad Adil Chowdhury, and Foreign Secretary Md Jasim Uddin were present on
the occasion.