Dhaka:<Text>
Member of the European Parliament and Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission, Ivars Ijab, has announced that a 200-member EU delegation will monitor Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election. He shared this information with reporters following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the EU’s long-term observers have been active in Bangladesh since the end of December. The short-term observers are set to join the advanced team on February 12. The delegation will consist of members of the European Parliament and will remain in Bangladesh throughout the election period.
Ijab pointed out that conducting a referendum alongside the parliamentary election presents a challenge for the Election Commission. “The Commission has informed us that the parliamentary elections and the referendum are being held simultaneously, which is a challenge for
them. However, we hope that the Commission will be able to manage the matter properly,” he stated.
He further emphasized that the EU mission would maintain impartiality in observing the electoral process. “We are here to help. We will observe the election process completely impartially, because Bangladesh is a very important partner of the European Union,” Ijab added.
He described the elections as significant and historic in light of the 2024 popular uprising, expressing hope that the parliament formed under the interim government would play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future.
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