The European Union (EU) has expressed its hope for a free, fair and peaceful national election in Bangladesh, scheduled for February 12, as its Election Observation Mission continues to monitor the pre-election situation across the country.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Sylhet Press Club on Friday, EU Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs said the EU’s main goal is to support democratic standards through independent and neutral observation.
“The EU wants to see a credible and transparent election held in a calm environment,” he said, adding that the mission will remain neutral, independent and will not interfere in the election process.
He also clarified that the EU observers will not certify or validate the election results.
The briefing was attended by Sylhet Press Club President Muktabis Un Nur and EU-EOM Press Officer Eberhard Laue.
Ijabs said about 200 observers are working under the EU mission. This includes long-term observers in all 64 districts, as well as analysts, diplomats and a delegation from the European Parliament.
He said the observers are monitoring the entire election process, including campaigning, voting, vote counting and the post-election situation.
Special attention is being given to the participation of women, young voters and vulnerable groups. The mission is also observing the role of traditional and social media in helping voters make informed choices.
The EU Election Observation Mission began its work in late December 2025. This is the first full-scale EU election observation mission in Bangladesh since 2008.