EU chief observer emphasizes free, fair BD election

Staff Reporter :

Ivars Ijabs, Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM), said the EU aims for Bangladesh’s national election on February 12 to be free, fair, and peaceful.

He made the remarks at a briefing at Sylhet Press Club on Friday, attended by Press Club President Muktabis Un Nur and EU-EOM Press Officer Eberhard Laue.

Ijabs stated that the mission will monitor the election based on principles of independence, impartiality, and non-interference, but will not certify the results.

Around 200 observers are participating, including long-term observers in all 64 districts, analysts, diplomats, and a delegation from the European Parliament.

He added that the mission will also examine the participation of women, young voters, and vulnerable groups, as well as how traditional and social media contribute to informed voter choices.

The EU-EOM began its work in late December 2025, marking the first full-scale EU election observation mission in Bangladesh since 2008.