‘Bangladesh can be another wonder’
The last three years of Rensje Teerink, ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, have been eventful with the Rohingya crisis, coronavirus pandemic, Taliban's control of Afghanistan, and Bangladesh becoming eligible to graduate from the LDC status. The Daily Star's Porimol Palma spoke to her before she leaves for Brussels after completing her assignment. She shared her thoughts on the future EU-Bangladesh relations.
DS: What makes you happy or sad as you leave Bangladesh?
Teerink: My professional engagement as an envoy of the EU to Bangladesh has ended but my relationship with the country remains resolute. A second chapter of my link to this marvellous country is about to start. Since 2017, I have marvelled at the unyielding resolve of the people of this country. Despite the ravages of pandemic, Bangladesh has managed to maintain a relatively low fatality rate. Also, the fact that this country is proudly celebrating 50 years as a nation and looking towards middle income status is something to cherish. Naturally, I am sad to leave Bangladesh, will miss the hospitality, compassion, empathy and the indomitable fortitude of the people.
DS: The EU has taken some initiatives to help Bangladesh overcome the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Can you give us details?
Teerink: In June 2021, the EU and Germany transferred EUR 33 million (around BDT 330 crore) to Bangladesh to strengthen key areas of its social security system and build resilience to Covid-19, with a particular focus on affected workers in export-oriented industries. This is the second disbursement from the joint EUR 113 million grant made available by the EU and Germany as part of Team Europe's response to fight Covid-19 in Bangladesh. Funds are channelled through the budget support programme on National Social Security Strategy reforms in Bangladesh.
DS: Bangladesh is seeking extension of LDC privileges for 12 years after 2024. What are the EU's thoughts on that?
Teerink: Under the EU's GSP, Bangladeshi exports are exempt from normal customs duties with zero duty for up to 7,200 different products under the GSP+ scheme. The EU takes immense pride in seeing Bangladesh enjoying the benefits of EU's "Everything but Arms", which has helped Bangladesh significantly in moving towards the attainment of middle-income status in 2024. Bangladesh is the single largest beneficiary of the EBA trade preferential scheme among the 48 EBA beneficiary countries, allowing Euro 18 billion worth of Bangladeshi products to be imported on a tax-free basis, resulting in the saving of Euro 2 billion.
It's a disconcerting fact that the pandemic has wrought havoc across all sectors of society. We are still struggling with the virus and its capricious nature. The EU believes that in times of crisis, dialogue, negotiations and empathy are essential and it's in this spirit that we look forward to addressing the issue of trade privileges once Bangladesh graduates from the LDC status.
DS: As Bangladesh graduates LDC status, what challenges and opportunities do you see?
Teerink: As the country stands on her 50th year, the future looks optimistic. However, the main priority of the country at this moment is to diversify her exports. Reliance on RMG will make Bangladesh a one-product miracle and such a position has its hidden perils. This country has other industries like motorcycle, ship building, jute, steel production, dry food and, would you believe it, even wig making. Reportedly, Bangladesh exports human hair products to 150 countries. Such initiatives should be publicised, promoted, and given incentives with new overseas markets explored.
Once graduated from LDC status, the competition will inevitably become tougher and to thrive in that environment, the products made in Bangladesh need to be of premium standard. Since this is the age of digital media, Bangladesh can utilise the global digital platforms to create a buzz about the cachet of the "Made in Bangladesh" logo. Attracting foreign companies to enter into joint production arrangements will also boost the local industries, injecting confidence into a wide variety of locally manufactured items.
This country now has a large youth population, which is digital media savvy. The skills of the youth can be harnessed to turn the young into a constructive force. From mobile banking services to e-commerce platforms to OTT filmmaking – this country is making a mark in areas, once dominated by others. Youth development gains added significance, especially in the post pandemic scenario, in which countless people lost employment, livelihoods and means of income.
As the economy opens up, emphasis may be given to SME's with added impetus to women who run small enterprises and were hit hard during the prolonged lockdowns. Once the youth are encouraged and provided with the right facilities, post-LDC Bangladesh will be another wonder.
DS: The European Commission has proposed restrictions on visas to Bangladeshis. Why has this been done?
Teerink: The EU countries welcome Bangladeshis who come via a legitimate process. Currently, there is a significant number of Bangladeshis who entered EU nations circumventing the lawful process. The EU's short-stay visa policy has been closely linked to cooperation with partner countries since its revised Visa Code came into force in February 2020. This cooperation requires partner countries to readmit citizens, who do not have the right to stay in EU territories. Once this matter is resolved, which I hope will be soon, the restrictions will be eased.
DS: Rohingya repatriation seems delayed as the conflicts in Myanmar are rising following the military coup. What would the EU do to address it?
Teerink: Firstly, on behalf of the EU, let me commend Bangladesh once more for setting up a remarkable example of compassion and support by accommodating the Rohingya refugees. In 2021, the European Union is providing over Euro 28 million in humanitarian aid in response to the Rohingya refugee crisis and the worsening Covid-19 pandemic in the country. In 2020, The EU mobilised a total of Euro 96 million for Rohingya refugees. Since the coup, EU sanctions have frozen assets or applied travel bans on 21 military and civilian members of Myanmar's junta. European citizens and companies are also forbidden from making funds available to those sanctioned. The bloc's last round of sanctions in April targeted military-owned conglomerates, barring EU investors and banks from doing business with them.
To be honest, the desire to resolve the protracted issue of the Rohingyas must originate from Myanmar. The EU will continue to extend unreserved support to Bangladesh. It strongly feels that repatriation should happen once a sustainable solution is found, and the rights of the Rohingyas are restored with assurances of a dignified return.
DS: As you return to Brussels, what would you tell the European Commission about Bangladesh?
Teerink: Bangladesh has shown resilience in the face of natural disasters, opened her arms to a repressed minority, taken a robust approach in upholding her secular values, managed to minimise the threat of militancy and strives to maintain a steady economic growth. At the same time, more attention is needed to improve workers' conditions, 100 per cent compliance with labour standards, freedom of speech, reduction of child marriage and a comprehensive youth development scheme, encompassing urban and rural areas.
DS: Anything else that you want to say?
Teerink: For me, Bangladesh has been boisterous, breath taking and bewitching. I travelled extensively across the nation from the Chittagong Hill Tracts to the Sundarbans and the landscape enthralled me. In the last year and half, during the Covid imposed restrictions, the forbearance of this country became all the more apparent. I also had the privilege to dip into the diverse aesthetic mixture of this country, from paintings to films to music. It's not an exaggeration when I proudly say that I am going back as an ambassador enriched by the best of Bangladesh to the EU.
Comments