The European Union’s election observation mission expects Bangladesh’s upcoming national polls to be credible, participatory, and broadly accepted, the mission’s chief observer, Ivars Izabs, said on Tuesday (February 10).

Speaking at a press conference at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka, Izabs described the overall electoral environment as positive, noting that the election could mark a new chapter in Bangladesh’s democratic history.

He added that EU observers are monitoring key principles such as democratic accountability, rule of law, and political transparency. On security, he said discussions have been held with the army and police, and while some areas remain relatively high-risk, authorities are generally in control.

Highlighting inclusivity, Izabs stressed the importance of participation by women and minority groups, which will receive special attention from the mission.

Long-term observers are already deployed across districts, engaging with candidates and election officials, helping shape the mission’s preliminary assessment. The EU will release an initial report on February 14, with a detailed final report following two months later, including recommendations on media and social media monitoring.

Izabs concluded that observers will remain neutral, acting as the EU’s “eyes and ears” to provide an impartial, evidence-based evaluation of the electoral process.

BOB Post