The head of the European Union Election Observation Mission, Ivars Ijabs, said the atmosphere ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election is very positive. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning during a press conference, noting that observers are already deployed across the country. According to him, around 60 long-term EU observers have been in Bangladesh since early January, while short-term observers began their fieldwork today.

Ijabs stated that observers from all 27 EU member states, as well as from partner countries Norway, Switzerland, and Canada, are participating in the mission. He described the observers as highly professional and experienced. The mission has engaged with candidates and local authorities in various regions, and most of them expressed that this election could mark a new chapter in Bangladesh’s history.

While emphasizing the overall optimism, Ijabs acknowledged that there are still some issues that require discussion. However, he reiterated that the general environment remains hopeful and constructive.