The European Union welcomes the release on 25 March of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The EU, including through its Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, had consistently called for her release. With her health having severely deteriorated during her two years of imprisonment, we hope that Begum Khaleda Zia will now receive the necessary medical treatment.

The European Union reiterates its strong support to democracy, the rule of law, the promotion of human rights and the independence of judiciary in Bangladesh. The European Union stands ready to support Bangladesh as it deals with the challenges of the coronavirus outbreak.