Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Jan 14, 2026 (BSS) – Finnish election observers will soon join the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) in Bangladesh, reaffirming Finland’s support for the country’s democratic transition ahead of the February 12 parliamentary elections.

The assurance came when Finland’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Bangladesh,  Kimmo Lähdevirta, paid a courtesy call on Secretary (East & West) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam at the foreign ministry here today, said a ministry’s press release here. 

During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction over the steady progress in bilateral relations and reiterated their commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, investment, clean energy, digital services and textiles.

Dr. Islam briefed the Ambassador on Bangladesh’s ongoing reform agenda and preparations for the upcoming national parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12, alongside a national referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter.

Appreciating Finland’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition, Islam lauded Finland and the European Union for deploying a large European Union Election Observation Mission for the polls. 

The Secretary also sought Finland’s support for Bangladesh’s post-LDC transition and GSP+ aspirations, underscoring the country’s commitment to labour rights and workplace safety. 
The Ambassador noted that following the EU’s transitional concession period, a new trade arrangement would be needed and expressed Finland’s support for a potential Bangladesh–EU Free Trade Agreement.

Highlighting investment opportunities, Islam invited the Ambassador to visit Bangladesh’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and encouraged Finnish participation in upcoming business events in Dhaka. 

In response, the Ambassador expressed interest in visiting EPZs and said Finnish businesses were keen to engage in future EU business initiatives in Bangladesh.

Both sides also welcomed the signing of a contract between Bangladesh Private Cable System (BPCS) and Nokia in December 2025 for Bangladesh’s first private submarine cable project, linking Singapore with Cox’s Bazar.