The European Union plans to send a large team of election observers to Bangladesh for the upcoming general election, the first such mission since 2008, said EU Ambassador Michael Miller.
Ambassador Miller announced during a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday.
He said the EU observer mission is yet to be formally confirmed, but could include between 150 and 200 members. Some observers are expected to arrive about six weeks before the election, while others may join a week before polling day.
“This would be the first time since 2008 that the EU is sending such a full-fledged election observer team to Bangladesh,” Ambassador Miller told the Chief Adviser, adding that the EU would also assist in deploying local election observers during the vote.
During the hour-long meeting, the two sides discussed a wide range of issues, including governance and constitutional reforms, election preparations, judicial and labour reforms, trade and investment relations between Bangladesh and the EU, and the broader political process in the country.
Ambassador Miller praised the July National Charter, describing it as a “very important” document aimed at ensuring a smooth democratic transition.
