European Union deploys mission to observe Bangladesh general election

The mission will provide an independent assessment of the electoral process, says chief observer

Ivars Ijabs, member of the European Parliament.

The European Union (EU) has decided to deploy an Election Observation Mission to monitor the Feb 12 parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.

The move comes in response to a formal invitation from the interim government, a media statement from the EU said on Tuesday.

The EU High Representative and Vice-President Kaja Kallas made the decision, according to the statement.

Ivars Ijabs, member of the European Parliament, has been appointed chief observer for the mission, it added.

“I am honoured to lead this EU Election Observation Mission to Bangladesh, which will deliver an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process,” Ijabs was quoted as saying.

“This mission is a tangible example of the EU support to the people of Bangladesh and their aspiration for stronger democratic institutions, rule of law and human rights.”

The EU has been in talks for several weeks to deploy a sizable team of observers for the elections scheduled under the interim government.

On Sept 29, a delegation of EU pre-election experts visiting Bangladesh met officials of the Election Commission (EC).

Following the meeting at the Agargaon Nirbachan Bhaban, officials said the EU intended to deploy around 150 observers for the polls.

At the time, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the EU had proposed signing a tripartite memorandum of understanding with the foreign ministry and the the commission to facilitate the mission.

Separately, on Dec 2, European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin in Dhaka.

Miller reportedly expressed “satisfaction” with the preparations for the election and referendum, highlighting that a large EU mission would monitor the process.

"The EU supports a timely, transparent, and inclusive election. This is a big opportunity for Bangladesh,” the envoy said.

The announcement of the observation mission came a week after the election schedule was unveiled on Dec 11, following a series of consultations among the EU, EC and Bangladesh government.