EU parliament delegation due this month

A 15-member European Parliament delegation will arrive in Dhaka in the middle of this month to discuss Bangladesh's politics, freedom of expression, and labour and human rights issues with politicians, business leaders, NGOs, and the media.

"This is an important European parliamentary delegation…though this delegation will actually look into the trade issues, but it relates to a host of other crucial matters,” a diplomatic source told The Daily Star yesterday.

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The source said the delegation members would start arriving in Dhaka on November 13 and would begin its mission on November 15.

Sources said Chair of the Committee on International Trade Bernd Lange and Chair of the delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia Jean Lambert will be in the delegation.

During the visit, the EU delegation will visit a few leading garment factories to see workplace safety and labour rights situation. The delegation will hold a meeting with the leaders of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on November 15.

After the Rana Plaza building collapse in April 2013, Bangladesh has signed the Sustainability Compact, an agreement with the EU for committing improvements in workplace safety and labour rights through practicising responsible business behaviour.

The delegation is expected to call on Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed and other government officials.

The EU parliamentary delegation is also scheduled to meet BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on November 17 prior to warping up its visit.

Highly-placed official sources said the delegation has sought an appointment with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina but the appointment has not been confirmed yet since Hasina might be abroad then.

The delegation is due to leave Dhaka on November 17 night, but some important members will extend their stay if they get an appointment with the PM, the sources said.

The delegation is also yet to get an appointment with the foreign minister or state minister for foreign affairs.