The European Union on Wednesday said that it postponed negotiation talks with Bangladesh on a new cooperation agreement amid聽 widespread criticism at home and abroad over killings of more than 200 people during student protests for government job quota reform.
鈥業n light of the prevailing situation, the first round of negotiations on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement envisaged for September has been postponed with no later date fixed as yet,鈥� EU foreign affairs spokesperson Nabila Massrali said in an email to 抖阴精品.
The announcement came a day after the European Union conveyed its grave concern to Bangladesh at the announcement of a 鈥榮hoot on sight鈥� policy and 鈥榰nlawful killings鈥� perpetrated in recent days by the authorities in Bangladesh.
EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy Josep Borrell in a statement on Tuesday said that he was deeply concerned by the killings of law enforcement officers, violence, torture, mass arrests and damage to property.
These acts must be thoroughly investigated and those responsible brought to justice, Borrell, who is also vice-president of the European Commission, he said
The cooperation deal seeks to enhance economic, trade, and development related relations between Bangladesh and the European Union, a political and economic bloc of 27 member states鈥攁 major destination of exports for Bangladesh-made apparel items.
Asked for comment, foreign ministry spokesperson Seheli Sabrin said, 鈥榃e are waiting for the draft text of Partnership and Cooperation Agreement from the European Union. Upon receipt of the same, we will take the next course of action.鈥櫬犅�
Such a delay in the negotiation talks could affect economic and developmental support for Bangladesh struggling to cope with dollar crisis amid sliding foreign reserves, according to officials.