By Mohammad Arifur Rahman Sibly
Journalist & Contributor for CSNN (Bangladesh)
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has officially described Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections, held on Thursday, 12 February, as “credible” and “competently managed.” The mission characterized the polls as a “pivotal step” toward the restoration of democratic governance and the rule of law in the South Asian nation.
A Return to Competition
During a press briefing in Dhaka today, Chief Observer and Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Ivars Ijabs presented the mission’s preliminary findings. The report was endorsed by the Delegation of MEPs, led by Tomáš Zdechovský.
“The 2026 parliamentary elections were genuinely competitive, with fundamental freedoms broadly respected,” Ijabs stated. He noted that the electoral legal framework largely aligns with international standards and praised the Bangladesh Election Commission for its independent and transparent conduct, which maintained stakeholder confidence throughout the process.
Civil Society and Transparency
The mission highlighted the vital roles played by citizen observers, fact-checkers, and activists—particularly youth and women—in enhancing transparency. According to EU observers, election day was marked by a calm and orderly atmosphere. Poll workers managed the voting and counting processes efficiently, with party agents present at every stage. The timely publication of local-level results by returning officers and media was also cited as a key factor in maintaining public trust.
Challenges and Areas for Reform
Despite the positive assessment, the EU EOM identified several critical shortcomings that require attention:
- Inclusion: Limited participation of persons with disabilities and a restricted political space for women remain concerns.
- Security: The mission noted sporadic localised political violence and a persistent fear of mob attacks, often fueled by disinformation.
- Minority Representation: Indigenous communities and minorities remain underrepresented in the political sphere due to a lack of affirmative action measures.
A Call for Institutional Reform
Ivars Ijabs urged the nation to move away from “outdated practices” and continue promoting independent institutions, human rights, and accountability.
Supporting this sentiment, Tomáš Zdechovský added: “The country is now entering a new crucial phase. We urge the new parliament and government, backed by all other state institutions, to implement the approved reforms.”
Scope of the Mission
The EU EOM has maintained a presence in Bangladesh since late 2025. On election day, 223 international observers from EU Member States, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland were deployed across all 64 districts. The mission will remain in the country to monitor the post-election environment and expects to publish a comprehensive final report with specific recommendations in the coming months.
