Dhaka: Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) Ivars Ijabs emphasized the significance of inclusive participation and credible voter turnout in Bangladesh’s upcoming elections during a media briefing. He highlighted the potential of these historic elections to strengthen democratic institutions through the ballot box, urging peaceful, credible, and transparent conduct of the polls.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the EU EOM plans to issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Dhaka two days after the elections, on February 14. A comprehensive final report, including recommendations for future elections, will be released approximately two months later. The mission adheres to a strict code of conduct and operates under the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, endorsed by the UN in 2005.

The European Union deployed the mission in response to an invitation from Bangladesh’s authorities for the parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12. Led by Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs, the mission began its activities in late December 2025 and expanded with the arrival of 56 long-term observers. These observers will be stationed across all 64 administrative districts of Bangladesh, marking the EU’s first fully-fledged election observation in the country since 2008.

This mission underscores the importance of the EU’s partnership with Bangladesh, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to democratic principles. During his visit, Chief Observer Ijabs engaged with various electoral stakeholders to gain firsthand insights into the electoral process.

The mission’s work involves collaboration with election administration, political parties, the judiciary, civil society, and media to monitor election preparations, legal framework implementation, campaign conduct, and electoral dispute resolution. It will also assess political and civic participation, focusing on women, youth, and other vulnerable groups.

The EU EOM has established media and social media monitoring units to evaluate how these platforms aid voters in making informed choices. The mission will assess the elections’ compliance with national law and regional and international standards for democratic elections adopted by Bangladesh.

“Our technical assessment is guided by independence, impartiality, and non-interference. We will employ proven methodologies for long-term, nationwide observation, focusing on the process without certifying results. These elections belong solely to the people of Bangladesh,” stated Chief Observer Ijabs.

At its peak, the mission will include approximately 200 observers from all 27 EU Member States, along with Canada, Norway, and Switzerland. This includes a core team of analysts based in Dhaka, long-term observers, short-term observers deployed before the polls, and observers from diplomatic missions of EU Member States and partner countries. A delegation from the European Parliament will further strengthen the mission.