The European Union will send a 200-member delegation to observe Bangladesh’s upcoming national election, according to Dr. Ivars Ijabs, Member of the European Parliament and chief observer of the EU Election Observation Mission. He made the announcement on Thursday after meeting the Chief Election Commissioner at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. Long-term observers have been working in Bangladesh since late December, and short-term observers will join them on February 12.

Dr. Ijabs noted that holding the parliamentary election alongside a national referendum poses a challenge for the Election Commission but expressed confidence in its ability to manage both processes effectively. He emphasized that the EU mission aims to assist and will observe the election process with complete neutrality, describing Bangladesh as an important partner of the European Union.

He further remarked that, in the context of the 2024 mass uprising, this election will be a historic one, and the parliament formed under the interim government will shape the country’s future.