The European Union and Russia have reached out to Bangladesh seeking its position ahead of the resumption of the 11th Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly on the Ukraine conflict on Tuesday.
A resolution is expected to be adopted following the debate in New York, with both sides working actively to secure support from member states.
Sources at the foreign ministry and Bangladesh’s mission to the United Nations said the proposed resolution is expected to reiterate calls for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire and for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the region.
A senior official said both sides have been lobbying Bangladesh in Dhaka as well as in New York.
“Both sides contacted us in Dhaka and New York and sought our support on the issue. The European Union requested us to vote in favour of the resolution, while Russia asked for the opposite,” the official said.
Another official indicated that Bangladesh is likely to maintain its traditional diplomatic position of neutrality on country-specific resolutions.
“Bangladesh generally does not take part in country-specific resolutions. Since the debate concerns Ukraine, Dhaka is unlikely to take sides,” the official said.
He added that Bangladesh is expected to abstain if the resolution is put to a vote, maintaining a balanced position between the competing sides.
President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock circulated a letter to all member states on 18 February notifying them of the special session and inviting countries to register to deliver statements during the debate.
EU envoys meet foreign minister
Meanwhile, ambassadors of European Union member states met Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman in Dhaka on Monday to discuss bilateral and global issues, according to a foreign ministry press release.
Michael Miller, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh, led a delegation of resident EU ambassadors, including representatives from Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden, during the courtesy call on the foreign minister.
The discussions covered a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including regional and global developments, humanitarian concerns, water resource management, climate change, the maritime economy, migration management, skills development and employment generation.
Focus on FTA talks
The EU ambassadors praised Bangladesh’s democratic transition and reaffirmed their continued engagement in support of constitutional, judicial, labour and other key reforms.
The foreign minister expressed appreciation for the EU’s deployment of a large Election Observation Mission during the 12 February parliamentary elections. He reiterated the government’s commitment to democratic consolidation, the rule of law and good governance.
Trade and economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. Both sides exchanged views on the possibility of launching negotiations for a comprehensive Bangladesh–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is seen as important in the context of Bangladesh’s upcoming graduation from least developed country status.
Earlier in the day, the EU ambassadors also met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam to congratulate her on her recent appointment.
The state minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the European Union and welcomed enhanced engagement with EU member states in areas of shared priority, describing the relationship as mutually beneficial.
