Next year’s national election is a “powerful signal” for a region where democracy is under increasing threat, according to German Ambassador Dr. Rědiger Lotz, who has stated that the nation’s ongoing democratic transition has relevance beyond its borders.
In an interview with BSS, the envoy expressed his confidence that Bangladesh’s return to electoral democracy will get significant regional attention because of its strategic location, youthful population, and political significance.
“This transition is very important for Bangladesh,” he said. “The country is returning to democracy next year … one of the biggest democratic elections in the world with around 127 million people voting. At a time when democracy is on the defensive in many parts of the world, it sends a very important signal.”
He added that Bangladesh’s renewed democratic path would be “noticed across South Asia”, particularly by young people, and that he was encouraged by the engagement of all stakeholders preparing for the polls.
About the nature of the coming election, the Ambassador said he was encouraged by the level of commitment he had observed among political parties, the Election Commission and the interim authorities.
“The country needs free, fair and participatory elections. Everyone I speak to is determined to make this possible,” he said.
Additionally, he applauded Chief Advisor Prof. Muhammad Yunus’s proposal for a “joyful election,” stating that it encapsulated the spirit of the contemporary democratic rejuvenation.
“I see many different actors preparing seriously for these elections … that is why I am optimistic that it will be a free, fair and participatory election,” he said.
The German envoy praised the interim government for maintaining stability during a volatile period and pushing ahead with institutional reforms under tight deadlines.
“Its performance is commendable,” he said. “Expectations were enormously high after August 24, but the interim government has had barely more than a year to implement reforms.”
One of the administration’s most noteworthy accomplishments, according to the ambassador, was stabilizing the economy during a time when many nations are going through post-transition unrest.
“Bangladesh has managed to maintain high growth rates, keep inflation under control and stabilise the currency. That is an enormous achievement,” he added.
Additionally, he praised the government’s work in labor and judicial reforms, calling them “tremendously important” for the future of the nation.
The envoy stated that although significant changes are still needed in areas like the legal system, peace and order, control of the security sector, and business environment, the first framework established by the interim government has received widespread praise.
“I find it very commendable that the interim government has tried to build consensus across parties, for example through the July Charter,” he said.
He called for long-term commitment from all political parties to ensure continuity once a new government is elected.
“The clear commitment by political actors in the July Charter to push forward reforms initiated by the interim government is very important,” he said. “It provides a reference point for which reforms need to be tackled and ensures continuity after elections.”
It is “extremely likely” that the European Union will send a sizable election observation team to Bangladesh, according to the ambassador.
“It still has to be decided formally, but I am confident that this will happen, and that there will be a substantial German contingent within that EU mission,” he stated.
But he added that the expedition would need a formal invitation from the Bangladeshi government.
The Ambassador stated that talks were still in progress about the rival Airbus and Boeing plans for Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ fleet renewal.
“There was a commitment in principle by the previous government and such commitments ideally should be followed up,” he said.
“Bangladesh will require new-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft. Airbus is very well positioned to meet this requirement,” he said.
He said that European ambassadors “stand by Airbus”, but put emphasis that final decisions were for Bangladeshi authorities to make. However, he mentioned that “any deal should be fair.”
According to the ambassador, Bangladesh has a good chance of drawing in more German capital as businesses expand their operations throughout Asia.
Bangladesh boasts remarkable growth rates, a young, more skilled populace, and a middle class that is expanding quickly. It’s a desirable location to conduct business because of all of this,” he stated.
Another asset, according to him, is the nation’s advantageous location at the intersection of South, Central, East, and Middle Asia.
He declared that he will make a concerted effort to get German corporate delegations to come to the nation and look into opportunities.
The ambassador praised Bangladesh’s potential but stated that in order to stay competitive with peers in the region like Vietnam and Indonesia, several issues need to be resolved.
“Investors look for clear rules, predictable implementation and legal certainty,” he stated.
He pointed out areas that needed improvement, including infrastructural needs, corruption, high tariffs in some industries, and customs procedures.
“Businesses require stable regulations and legal clarity. That is closely linked to political stability and the rule of law,” he noted.
Diversification beyond textiles, he said, would be essential in the coming years.
Pharmaceuticals is one of the most potential industries for German involvement, according to the envoy. “A few Bangladeshi businesses already manufacture medications that are approved for sale in European markets. That’s important,” he remarked.
Additionally, he emphasized aircraft, medical equipment, and logistics as industries with promising futures. He stated that cooperation has great promise in the field of green energy.
“Solar energy, wind energy and improving energy efficiency are key areas,” he stated. “There is clearly an understanding here that environmental conditions must improve, which creates room for green energy projects and circular economy approaches.”
The ambassador stated that ongoing changes will be necessary for Bangladesh to pursue EU GSP+ benefits following LDC graduation in 2026.
“GSP+ is a challenging procedure. Many international accords must be put into practice, especially those pertaining to human rights, labor rights, environmental protection, and good governance, he stated.
Although there had been progress, he continued, additional reforms were required, and Germany and the EU will collaborate closely with Bangladesh in the years to come.
He stated that long-term competitiveness will require diversification and value addition.
The ambassador praised Bangladesh for taking in more than a million Rohingyas. “Bangladesh has done a remarkable job in providing basic livelihood in a very difficult situation,” he stated.
Additionally, he demanded renewed diplomatic pressure on Myanmar and ongoing international assistance.
Long wait times for visas, particularly for families and students, were noted by the ambassador. “If you have an admission from a German university, you cannot be expected to wait for years,” he stated.
He stated that attempts were being made to modernize the procedure, boost staffing, and improve efficiency. “If you ask me again in six months, I hope I will be able to say that the situation has improved considerably,” he stated.
He claimed that ties between Germany and Bangladesh were about to grow significantly.
“If we can deepen political ties, expand economic cooperation and make mobility easier, the future of Bangladesh-Germany relations is very promising.”
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