B Mirror Report: Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) are set to hold a high-level political dialogue in Dhaka on April 29, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade and investment, and enhancing cooperation on migration and other key issues.

The meeting follows the recent initialing of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) in Brussels, marking a significant step in institutionalizing ties between Bangladesh and the 27-member bloc.

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam will lead the Bangladesh delegation, while Eric Kurzweil, Managing Director at the European External Action Service, will represent the EU. Kurzweil is expected to arrive in Dhaka late on April 28 for the one-and-a-half-day visit.

Diplomatic sources say the dialogue will broadly cover political engagement, economic and trade cooperation, investment, development partnership, security, humanitarian assistance, migration management, skills development, employment generation, climate change, blue economy, and ongoing reform initiatives.

Key governance issues such as democratic institution-building, rule of law, good governance, human rights, and freedom of expression are also likely to feature prominently, alongside discussions on regional and global developments.

Officials describe current Bangladesh-EU relations as positive, with both sides seeking to deepen cooperation through enhanced political engagement. The dialogue is expected to provide an opportunity to discuss next steps toward finalizing the PCA and exploring prospects for a future Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Migration is expected to be a major topic, particularly the repatriation of undocumented Bangladeshi nationals from EU countries and pathways to expand legal migration. Bangladesh is also keen to advance the EU’s “Talent Partnership” initiative to facilitate skilled workforce mobility.

EU representatives may seek updates on Bangladesh’s reform agenda, including constitutional and judicial reforms, labor sector improvements, and regulatory frameworks for migration management. The bloc is also expected to emphasize democratic standards, fundamental freedoms, and human rights.

Additionally, the EU may raise the issue of potential aircraft purchases from European manufacturer Airbus, a matter that has been discussed in previous engagements.

Officials say Bangladesh will present its recent reform progress, including legislative measures adopted by the new government, and reaffirm its commitment to strengthening governance and institutional frameworks.

The upcoming dialogue builds on the first Bangladesh-EU political dialogue held in November 2022, reflecting a growing partnership that both sides describe as forward-looking and mutually beneficial.