EU election observers’ delegation holds talks with Jamaat chief Shafiqur

A European Union delegation has met with Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman amid preparations for Bangladesh’s parliamentary election.

The courtesy meeting took place on Tuesday at Jamaat’s central office in Moghbazar, with a 15-strong team headed by Ivars Ijabs, chief observer of the EU Election Observation Mission, according to a media statement issued by the party.

During the discussions, which were described as taking place in a "cordial and friendly atmosphere”, the EU mission confirmed that a 200-member team will be deployed across the country to oversee the electoral process.

Both sides discussed a range of issues linked to the shared interests of Bangladesh and the EU, the press note said.