Dhaka: An eight-member European Union (EU) Exploratory Mission convened today with officials from the Election Commission (EC) to deliberate over the dispatch of an observation team to Bangladesh for the forthcoming 13th parliamentary elections. The discussions were held in a series of meetings with various EC officials and election stakeholders.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the EU delegation, led by senior election expert Riccardo Chellery, first engaged with four EC officials, including Md. Moin Uddin Khan, Joint Secretary of the EC Secretariat, between 3 pm and 4 pm. This was followed by another meeting with Election Commissioner Brigadier General Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah (retd) from 4 pm to 5 pm. The EU team inquired about crucial aspects such as the law and order situation, the election environment, EC’s preparedness and capacity, and its impartiality, with a particular focus on security issues.
Further engagements are planned as the EU team intends to meet with election officials in Rangpur and Chattogram to assess the situation at the field level. Their findings and analyses will be reported back to their headquarters, which will influence the decision on whether to deploy an observation mission for the elections.
EC officials are optimistic about the prospects of receiving an EU observation mission, contingent on the Mission’s recommendations. The Exploratory Mission’s discussions have centered on the upcoming national elections, involving consultations with both government and private stakeholders.
The final decision to send an observation team during the election period will adhere to the procedures established by the European Union. Prior to these meetings, EC Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed had announced the EU delegation’s planned visit to meet with an Election Commissioner.