EU to Send 200 Observers During Nat'l Polls

A 200-member delegation from the European Union will observe Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election, according to Ivars Ijab, a Member of the European Parliament and Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission.

Speaking to journalists after meeting Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon yesterday, Ijab said EU long-term observers have been working in Bangladesh since late December. He added that short-term observers will arrive with an advance team on February 12.

The observer mission will include members of the European Parliament and will remain in the country throughout the entire election period.

Ijab noted that holding a referendum at the same time as the parliamentary election presents an operational challenge for the Election Commission. He said the Commission has acknowledged this issue and expressed confidence that it will be able to manage both processes effectively.

Emphasizing neutrality, Ijab said the EU mission would monitor the electoral process with full impartiality. He added that the European Union views Bangladesh as an important partner and that the mission’s role is to observe and support democratic practices.

Describing the election as highly significant, he said the polls would be historic in the context of the 2024 popular uprising. He expressed hope that the parliament formed under the interim government would play a crucial role in shaping Bangladesh’s future.