The European Union (EU) has confirmed its decision to send election observers for Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced on Wednesday.
“The EU has agreed to send observers following requests from the government and the Election Commission. They are eager to see a fair, transparent, and acceptable election in Bangladesh,” Khosru said.
He made the comments after a meeting between BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan.
The discussions mainly focused on the forthcoming national election, expected to take place in February, as well as the overall electoral process. Khosru stated that the EU has always played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s electoral process and will continue to do so.
The talks also covered a range of issues including the economy, trade relations, and the importance of strengthening democracy in Bangladesh. Khosru emphasised Bangladesh’s strong economic ties with the EU, particularly in the ready-made garments sector, which has benefitted significantly from duty-free market access.
He also noted the EU’s continued support for Bangladesh’s trade relations, hoping they remain strong and uninterrupted.
“The EU is committed to supporting efforts to institutionalise democracy in Bangladesh and ensure that democratic institutions, such as Parliament, the judiciary, the government, and the media, function independently,” Khosru added.
He stressed the need to strengthen Parliament for a more effective democracy, highlighting that the EU is willing to help in this effort.
“We welcome this initiative. For democracy to thrive in Bangladesh, it must be institutionalised, and its institutions must function independently,” Khosru concluded.
The EU Ambassador met with BNP Secretary General Fakhrul Islam Alamgir for over an hour. BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present at the meeting.
