EU to send full-fledged election observation mission to Bangladesh after 15 years

The European Union (EU) is planning to send a large delegation to observe the national elections to be held in Bangladesh in the first half of February. This will be the EU's first full-fledged election observation mission since 2008. The EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, made the announcement during a meeting with Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor to the interim government, at the Jamuna State Guest House in Dhaka on Tuesday (October 28).

Ambassador Miller said the EU's observation mission is still awaiting final approval. It could consist of 150 to 200 members, some of whom will arrive in Bangladesh about six weeks before the vote, while the rest will arrive in Bangladesh a week before. "This is the first time since 2008 that the EU is sending a full-fledged election observation mission to Bangladesh," he said. The ambassador added that the EU will also assist in the deployment of local observers during the vote.

During the nearly hour-long meeting, the two sides discussed constitutional reform, election preparations, judicial and labor sector reforms, trade and investment relations, and the country’s overall political process. Ambassador Miller described the July National Charter as a “very important document” that will help smooth the democratic transition. He also called the recently approved labor law reforms and steps to strengthen the independence of the judiciary “significant progress.”

Noting that these are “very important steps,” he said the EU would continue to support the Election Commission to ensure that the February elections are free, fair, and credible. Ambassador Miller said the upcoming elections are a great opportunity to rebuild Bangladesh’s image. He expressed hope that a fair election would further strengthen the country’s democratic foundations. He also said the EU is committed to supporting Bangladesh’s transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) to Middle Income Country.

The two sides also discussed ways to strengthen trade and investment relations. The two sides agreed on the possibility of an Economic Partnership Agreement, exploring new opportunities in the aviation and maritime transport sectors, and cooperation in combating human trafficking and illegal migration. Principal Advisor Dr. Yunus said that preparations are underway to sign an agreement with global shipping company A.P. Moller-Maersk for the development and operation of the Laldia Terminal at the Chittagong Port of Bangladesh. Ambassador Miller said that this Denmark-based company will invest about 800 million US dollars, through which the Laldia Terminal will be transformed into one of the most modern port facilities in the region.

The meeting also focused on the electoral environment, candidate qualifications, human rights protection and ensuring free electoral competition. Ambassador Miller said that the EU believes that a transparent, participatory and tolerant political process will further mature Bangladesh's democracy and enhance the country's international image.