EU Postpones Negotiations with Bangladesh Amid Deadly Protests

The European Union has delayed its negotiations with Bangladesh on a new cooperation agreement following severe criticism of Bangladesh's handling of recent deadly protests. With the EU being a major trading partner, this postponement impacts the future of trade and economic relations between the two parties.

The European Union has postponed its negotiations with Bangladesh for a new cooperation agreement after facing criticism over Dhaka's response to deadly protests that resulted in at least 150 fatalities this month.

The proposed cooperation pact aims to strengthen trade, economic, and developmental ties between Bangladesh and the EU, the latter being the main trading partner for the South Asian nation, representing 20.7% of Bangladesh’s trade in 2023. Nabila Massrali, the EU's foreign affairs spokesperson, indicated via email that the initial round of negotiations set for September has been postponed indefinitely due to the ongoing situation.

The protests, ignited by students opposing controversial government job quotas, escalated into violent clashes, leaving 150 dead and hundreds injured, while leading to nationwide shutdowns, curfews, and telecom disruptions. Although the Supreme Court’s decision to abolish most of the quotas led to the easing of restrictions and cessation of protests last week, the foreign ministry of Bangladesh has not yet commented on the matter.