EU Observer Chief Expresses Confidence in 2026 Election Process

Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka, Ijabs expressed his expectation for a highly credible, participatory, and transparent 13th National Parliamentary Election on February 12. He noted that while certain constituencies are considered "high-risk," the overall security measures managed by the military and police are satisfactory.

The EU mission, which includes over 200 observers from 27 member states alongside Canada, Norway, and Switzerland, is the first full-scale mission to Bangladesh since 2008. Ijabs emphasized that the mission's role is strictly neutral, focusing on independent evaluation rather than political interference. A preliminary report on the election’s conduct is scheduled for release on February 14, followed by a comprehensive final report two months later.

Commonwealth Mission and International Presence In addition to the EU, the Commonwealth Observer Group, led by former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, has arrived with a 14-member delegation. They are joined by nearly 500 foreign observers from 16 countries, including Malaysia, Turkey, and Japan. On the domestic front, over 55,000 local observers from 81 registered organizations have been cleared to monitor the polls and the concurrent referendum on the "July Charter."