EU to Deploy Observers for Bangladesh’s Next Election

EU to Deploy Observers for Bangladesh’s Next Election

The European Union (EU) has decided to send election observers to Bangladesh for the upcoming national polls, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Sunday.

“The EU has agreed to send observers following requests from the government and the Election Commission. They are eager to see a fair, transparent and credible election in Bangladesh,” Khosru told reporters after a meeting between BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office.

He said the discussion mainly focused on the upcoming national election, expected to be held in the first half of February, and the overall electoral environment.

Khosru noted that the EU has consistently played a vital role in Bangladesh’s electoral process and will continue to do so this time as well.

The BNP leader said the talks also covered broader issues such as the economy, trade relations, institutional reforms, and the need to strengthen democracy in Bangladesh.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s deep economic ties with the EU, Khosru said the ready-made garment sector has flourished under the EU’s duty-free market access. “They want this cooperation to continue, ensuring that Bangladesh–EU trade relations remain strong and uninterrupted,” he added.

He said the EU also expressed its willingness to support Bangladesh in making democracy more institutional and sustainable. “The EU wants to see democratic institutions — Parliament, government, judiciary, and the media — operate independently,” Khosru said.

He added that the EU was also keen to see an environment where citizens can enjoy freedom of expression and democratic rights without fear or restriction.

“We welcome this initiative. To sustain democracy in Bangladesh, we must make it institutional. The organs of democracy must function independently, and our democratic culture and values must be restored,” Khosru said.

The discussion also touched on the importance of a stronger and more effective Parliament. “A robust democracy cannot exist without a strong Parliament, and the EU wants to assist in strengthening parliamentary activities,” he said.

The EU ambassador arrived at the BNP Chairperson’s office around 11 a.m. and held a meeting with Mirza Fakhrul that lasted for over an hour.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present during the meeting.