The European Union (EU) has expressed satisfaction with Bangladesh’s preparations for the 2026 national election and referendum, while underscoring the challenge of engaging a generation of first-time voters.
EU Ambassador in Dhaka Michael Miller on Tuesday commended the Election Commission’s planning and readiness, calling the upcoming polls “a great opportunity” for the country to restore confidence in its democratic process.
Speaking to reporters at the Election Commission Bhaban after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, Miller said the EU will deploy one of its largest-ever observer missions to Bangladesh for what he described as the world’s biggest democratic exercise of 2026.
“European Union support timely, smooth, and participatory elections, and we see in such elections a great opportunity for Bangladesh to reset the narrative of its democratic path,” he said.
Miller, who joined the CEC during a recent mock voting exercise, praised the Commission’s preparations for managing both the national vote and a referendum on the July Charter on the same day.
He noted the “careful consideration of logistical challenges” and described the planning as “impressive.”
“The European Union recognizes the commitment and professionalism of the Bangladesh Election Commission and its capacity to run well-prepared elections,” he added. “Our decision to deploy a very large observer mission reflects our confidence in the process and our support for elections in this wonderfully diverse country.”
On the broader electoral environment, Miller acknowledged the scale of the task ahead. With a significant portion of voters expected to cast ballots for the first time, he highlighted the importance of civic education, public debate, and clear communication from the Election Commission.
“The biggest challenge is engaging a generation of citizens who have never voted before, some due to doubts about fairness, others due to fear of violence,” he said.
He welcomed the Commission’s plan to extend voting hours, calling it “a wise step” given the country’s political history.
Despite remaining complexities and the absence of an official election schedule, Miller said EU officials are satisfied with the Commission’s progress.
“The Election Commission is thinking ahead about all possible challenges and implementing mitigating measures. We look forward to the announcement and will continue supporting what could be the first democratic elections Bangladesh has seen in many years.”
Miller expressed optimism about the prospects for a credible vote. “All stakeholders should focus on the opportunity to hold the first genuinely free and fair elections in many years,” he said.
“This is a moment for Bangladesh to reverse democratic backsliding, reset its international reputation, and demonstrate that it can conduct elections in a correct and professional manner.”
