New Delhi, April 21 -- The European Union and Bangladesh initialled in Brussels on 20 April a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) which signals an upgrade in their relationship from largely trade-focused ties to a broader strategic partnership. The PCA reflects both continuity and a recalibration following political change in Dhaka after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) scored an convincing victory in the 2026 election, marking a dramatic political shift after Sheikh Hasina's ouster in August 2025.

The agreement is considered to be a significant milestone as Bangladesh moves towards becoming the first South Asian country to sign a PCA with the European Union, a move that has global ramifications.

The BNP's past tensions wi...