Bangladesh, ranking as the world's eighth most populous nation with a population of 173 million, is also among the top ten refugee host countries globally, providing shelter to approximately one million Rohingya refugees.
Simultaneously, Bangladesh stands as one of the countries most impacted by climate change, while also being the second-largest exporter of ready-made garments worldwide. Over recent decades, Bangladesh has achieved notable advancements in human development, poverty reduction, and economic growth. These accomplishments have set the stage for its anticipated graduation to Middle-Income Country status by 2026.
Our partnership
The European Union is committed to supporting Bangladesh's journey toward sustainable and inclusive development, aligning its efforts with the national Bangladesh Five Year Plan, the United Nations 2030 Agenda, and the EU’s Global Gateway and Indo Pacific Strategies.
Team Europe in Bangladesh brings together the EU, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and Member States including Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The EU adopted a Multiannual Indicative Programme for the period 2021-2027 under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI-Global Europe). Under that framework, the EU allocated €306 million in grant funding to the partnership with Bangladesh over 2021-2024. Bangladesh also benefits from a number of multi-country EU programmes. Investments will also be mobilised through the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), Global Gateway’s main financial tool.
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Our flagship initiatives
- Energy
Aiming to increase Bangladesh's energy efficiency and maximise the use of renewable energy sources to meet its growing energy demand, the Green Energy Transition Team Europe Initiative (TEI) is in place. EU support in this sector includes:
- Policy: Improving the regulatory framework to facilitate a green and equitable energy transition in Bangladesh, with an emphasis on policy and regulatory reforms, including technology and knowledge sharing.
- Power system: Establishing a power system that fulfills the country’s energy needs predominantly through renewable sources while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and optimising energy consumption and demand through efficiency measures, in alignment with Global Gateway priorities.
The country also benefits from support to regional energy connectivity and cross-border electricity trade between Bangladesh, Nepal, India, and Bhutan.
- Decent work
Supporting the government's labour reforms and decent work agenda, the Decent Work Team Europe Initiative, in collaboration with Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, focuses on:
- Labour laws: Assisting in the revision of labour laws to meet international labour standards, making enterprises more inclusive, safe, sustainable, and competitive, thereby promoting decent work.
- Child labour: Contributing to eradicate child labour in hazardous occupations, developing quality labour market governance institutions, and promoting the sustainability of industries.
- Education and skills development
Ensuring the youth are well-educated, trained, and qualified, with access to employment and decent work opportunities, the EU Human Capital Development Programme for Bangladesh 2021 focuses on:
- Primary education: Strengthening the national primary education system to improve quality and accessibility of primary education, as well as management and governance of primary education and vocational training.
- Teacher training: Improving the education and professional development of teachers.
- Vocational training: Enhancing the policy framework for vocational training and skills development, including revising the National Skills Development Policy and training of teachers.
- Skills development and employment opportunities for youth: Helping young people have access to good and relevant education and thus opening pathway to decent employment.
- Migration
Addressing the root causes of irregular migration, EU support includes the reintegration of returnees, prevention of human trafficking and smuggling of migrants, and tackling climate and disaster-induced displacement.
- Rohingya crisis
Advocating for a sustainable solution for the Rohingya people, EU support extends beyond humanitarian aid to include livelihood support and development opportunities.
- Digital
Helping Bangladesh's government in its aim to connect the unconnected (through the 'Connectivity Revolution: Transforming Lives in Bangladesh' initiative which is financed by Finland), focusing on ICT infrastructure to improve livelihoods and protect the environment.