High-profile EU team to observe 13th JS elections

A high-profile European Union (EU) election observation mission will arrive in Bangladesh to observe the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum, Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said on Wednesday.
"I have been hinted that between 175 and 200 election observers would arrive in phases. We shall provide them with necessary facilities here under a tripartite agreement," said the EC official.
The agreement was signed among Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, EC, and EU.
The EC official disclosed this while briefing reporters about the development at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the city's Agargaon area on Wednesday.
Earlier, the EU also disclosed the information through a statement published in its website on Tuesday.
According to it, the High Representative or Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas has decided to send an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 February 2026 in response to a formal invitation by the Bangladeshi authorities.
The High Representative has appointed Ivars Ijabs, member of the European Parliament, as the Chief Observer.
Mr Ijabs was mentioned by the statement as saying that he was honoured to lead the delegates to Bangladesh, which will deliver an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process.
"This mission is a tangible example of the EU support to the people of Bangladesh and their aspiration for stronger democratic institutions, rule of law and human rights," he was quoted as saying.
During the EC's briefing, Mr Ahmed said detailed information regarding the full schedule of the delegation, the number of observers, phases of arrival, and the scope of their activities has not yet been received.

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