The European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission has identified three primary areas of focus for the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh – security, participatory nature of the polls, and a level playing field for all candidates.
Speaking at a roundtable meeting with journalists at the Sylhet District Press Club on Friday evening, EU Election Observation Mission Chief Ivars Ijabs stated that the EU views this election as a critical milestone in the history of Bangladesh.
Key focus areas
Ijabs, also a member of the European Parliament, emphasised that the mission would scrutinise whether citizens can participate in the election safely and without fear.
Special attention will be given to the inclusion of all citizens, including women and minority groups, as well as the provision of equal opportunities for all candidates.
The mission is operating under an internationally recognised methodology focused solely on observation rather than participation in the political process.
Ijabs clarified that the team would not comment on any party’s rule violations or other internal matters as the election draws near, noting that the responsibility for organising the election lies solely with the citizens of Bangladesh.
Mission scope and timeline
The mission officially commenced one month ago, with Long-Term Observers (LTOs) already monitoring preparations in Dhaka and other regions.
Ijabs revealed that the core team in Dhaka includes experts such as legal, election, and media analysts who are monitoring both traditional and social media. However, he stressed that they are not intervening or offering advice to any parties.
The observation effort is a collaborative one, including partners from Switzerland, Norway, and Canada. While two colleagues, Bambi and Christian, have been working on the ground for a month, they will be joined on Saturday by 90 short-term observers from Europe.
These additional observers will monitor campaigning and the counting of votes during the final days of the election.
Future Cooperation and Reporting Following the polls, the mission will provide an official preliminary report in Dhaka on 14 February, with a comprehensive final report to be presented two months later.
Beyond election oversight, Ijabs highlighted the EU’s desire to maintain a long-term relationship with Bangladesh, particularly in the current shifting global climate. He expressed interest in expanding trade relations and investing in green energy and climate change mitigation.
Ijabs noted that the EU prioritises finding democratic and reliable partners globally, making the integrity of the democratic process vital to this bilateral relationship.
The roundtable was presided over by Moin Uddin, president of the Sylhet District Press Club, and moderated by General Secretary Mohammad Nasir Uddin.
