EU to provide €4m support package for Bangladesh national elections

The European Union (EU) has pledged over €4 million to assist Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) in preparing for the country’s next general elections, scheduled for early 2026. 

Bangladesh will hold a three-day international stakeholders conference in Cox`s Bazar on 25 August before organising a high-level conference on the Rohingya crisis on 30 September in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Bangladesh will hold a three-day international stakeholders conference in Cox`s Bazar on 25 August before organising a high-level conference on the Rohingya crisis on 30 September in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Bangladesh and Malaysia have taken significant steps to deepen their bilateral relationship by signing a total of eight cooperation agreements — five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and three Exchange of Notes — covering a wide range of sectors from defence and energy to education and trade.

Dhaka is set to host the 56th Director General–level Border Conference between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) from August 25 to 28. The high-profile talks will take place at the BGB Headquarters in Peelkhana, according to a statement issued by the BGB late Sunday.

Bangladesh`s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus will travel to Malaysia on Monday for a three-day official visit aimed at expanding cooperation in trade, investment, labour and other key sectors.

Bangladesh is preparing to hold its next national elections in February 2026, marking a pivotal moment in the country`s efforts to rebuild its democratic institutions following a period of political unrest and transition. 

Bangladesh is on the verge of completing three out of eight major projects aimed at building permanent diplomatic missions abroad, marking a significant step in the government’s plan to strengthen its global presence. 

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $150 million loan agreement with the Government of Bangladesh to enhance the country’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system. 

The United States has shown a positive stance toward reducing the recently imposed 35% reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi exports, raising hopes for a breakthrough in ongoing trade negotiations. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman confirmed the development early Tuesday morning (30 July), following high-level discussions in Washington.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Bangladesh’s interim government, expressing hopes for a “smooth, successful and participatory” national election.

Bangladesh has officially proposed holding the much-anticipated third round of tariff negotiations with the United States on Sunday, aiming to resolve key issues surrounding the recently announced reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi goods.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is expected to make an official visit to Bangladesh in the final week of August, as both countries work toward strengthening cooperation in key areas including migration, labor, and economic development.

The Armed Forces of Bangladesh and the United States military will continue their longstanding partnership this summer through three joint exercises and the delivery of a new capability that will reinforce common security interests.

Saudi Arabia has expressed a strong desire to further strengthen its already close and cordial relationship with Bangladesh. 

Johannes Zutt, the recently appointed World Bank Vice President for South Asia, has lauded the economic initiatives undertaken by Bangladesh`s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.