Dhaka: Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) Ivars Ijabs today formally handed over a copy of the final report on Bangladesh’s 2026 parliamentary elections to the government. He handed over the report to State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said a foreign ministry’s press release here.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during the meeting, the state minister appreciated the European Union’s continued engagement in supporting Bangladesh’s democratic journey, including the deployment of the Election Observation Mission. She also highlighted the importance of continued cooperation with international partners to further strengthen democratic institutions and electoral processes.
The EU mission stated that Ijabs is scheduled to unveil the final report formally at a press conference on Tuesday. The report contains 19 recommendations aimed at improving future elections in Bangladesh. The EU-EOM has been stationed in Bangladesh since the end of 2025.
On election day, February 12, the mission deployed 223 international observers from all EU member states alongside Canada, Norway, and Switzerland across all 64 administrative districts. Earlier, the mission presented its preliminary statement on the parliamentary elections on February 14.
The 2026 parliamentary polls were described by the mission as “credible and competently managed, marking a pivotal step” towards restoring democratic governance and the rule of law. Earlier, Ijabs noted that the contest was genuinely competitive, with fundamental freedoms broadly respected, while the Bangladesh Election Commission worked independently and transparently, maintaining stakeholders’ confidence.