Published : 12 Feb 2026, 03:30 PM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 03:09 PM
European Union Election Observation Mission Chief Ivars Ijabs has described election day as a “big day” for Bangladesh’s democracy.
The 13th parliamentary election and the fourth referendum are being held across the country on Thursday. EU election observers are monitoring the voting process.
Around 7:30am, a delegation led by Ijabs visited the Siddheswari Girls’ College polling centre in the capital to observe voting activities.
After the visit, he said, “Today is a big day for Bangladesh’s democracy. We are all looking forward to an acceptable and fair election based on everyone’s participation.”
Asked about his initial observations, he said: “The polling centre here (Siddheswari Girls’ College) opened on time. Not only this centre, we are closely observing polling stations across the country.”
Ahead of the parliamentary election, the EU mission has been conducting a long-term, independent and evidence-based assessment.
The 200-member delegation includes members of the European Parliament.
The national election and referendum are being held in a changed political context following the July Uprising.
Voting is taking place in 299 constituencies on Thursday, with polls in one seat postponed due to the death of a candidate.
Over 127 millions voters are eligible to cast their ballots in this election. For the first time, expatriates and three categories of voters within the country are casting ballots by post after registering online.
