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Published : 14 Feb 2026, 02:45 PM
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has termed Bangladesh’s parliamentary election as “credible and competitive”, saying the process was largely in line with international standards.
Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs presented the mission's preliminary findings on Saturday in Dhaka, noting that the polls represent a pivotal move toward restoring democratic governance and the rule of law.
“This historic contest was genuinely competitive, with fundamental freedoms broadly respected,” he added.
He noted that the electoral legal framework “largely” accords with international standards, while the Election Commission worked “independently and transparently”, maintaining stakeholder confidence and lending integrity to the vote.
The mission, which is the first full-fledged EU team deployed to the country since 2008, comprises 223 international observers from EU member states, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland.
Monitors were deployed across all 64 administrative districts to observe the opening of polling centres, the voting process, ballot counting, and result tabulation.
Ijabs highlighted the vital role of local citizen observers, fact-checkers, and youth and women activists in rebuilding public trust and enhancing transparency.
EU EOM observers noted that election day was “orderly, festive, and calm”, with dedicated poll workers managing operations efficiently.
“The presence of party agents at all stages of the process enhanced integrity, while regular updates on results tabulation at the local level by returning officers and by legacy media, helped to maintain public confidence.”
The mission, however, said independent participation for persons with disabilities was not always ensured.
The chief observer stressed that the limited political space afforded to women undermined their equal participation, while sporadic localised political violence and persistent fear of “mob” attacks, often triggered by disinformation, “harmed” the democratic process.
Absence of affirmative action measures still leaves indigenous communities and minorities underrepresented in the political arena, accorrding to him.
“It is time to abandon the old practices that no longer reflect the growing maturity of Bangladesh’s democracy to chart a new course promoting independent institutions, human rights and accountability,” said Ijabs.
Tomáš Zdechovský, the head of the delegation of the European Parliament, said: “The country is now entering a new crucial phase.
“We urge the new parliament and government, backed by all other state institutions, to implement the approved reforms.”
The mission will continue to observe the post-election environment and will publish a final report, including recommendations for improving future elections, in the coming months.
