The European Union (EU) has decided to send a large observer mission to Bangladesh for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. The decision was announced in Dhaka during a meeting between Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the EU Election Observation Mission’s Chief Observer, European Parliament member Ivars Ijabs. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam later briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, confirming that the EU views the election as historic and will deploy observers across the country to monitor the entire process.

According to the briefing, the meeting discussed election preparations, ensuring a level playing field, and the importance of a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum. Ijabs noted that the EU had not sent observers during Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year tenure but sees positive momentum this time. Dr. Yunus assured that the election and referendum would be free, fair, credible, and peaceful, with full readiness from the Election Commission and interim government.

Security measures will include body-worn cameras for security personnel at sensitive polling centers, centralized monitoring through an app, and CCTV coverage nationwide. Official campaigning will begin on January 22, with the government expecting high voter turnout, especially among women and youth.