The European Union has decided to send a large election observation mission to Bangladesh for the 13th national parliamentary election. The decision was conveyed by Ivars Ijabs, chief observer of the EU Election Observation Mission and a member of the European Parliament, during a meeting in Dhaka with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, saying the meeting discussed election preparations, a level playing field, and the upcoming referendum.

According to the briefing, the EU views the upcoming election as historic and has not sent observers to Bangladesh during the previous 16 years of Sheikh Hasina’s rule. Ijabs noted that the last three elections were not credible but expressed optimism about the current atmosphere. Yunus assured that the election and referendum would be free, fair, and peaceful, with equal opportunity for all parties. Security measures will include CCTV and body-worn cameras at polling centers, and the army will act as a rapid response force.

The chief adviser also said official campaigning will begin on January 22, describing the EU’s observer decision as recognition of Bangladesh’s democratic progress.