The European Union (EU) is set to send a large-scale election observation mission to Bangladesh for the upcoming national elections, scheduled for the first half of February 2026 – the first full-fledged EU observer deployment to the country since 2008.
EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller announced the plan during a meeting with Interim Government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday. Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar, confirmed the announcement later that evening.
Ambassador Miller noted that while final approval for the mission is still pending, it is expected to comprise 150 to 200 observers. A core team will arrive approximately six weeks before election day, with the remainder joining about a week prior to monitor preparations, voting, and post-election processes. The EU will also support the deployment of local election observers.
“This is the first time since 2008 that the EU is sending a full-fledged election observation mission to Bangladesh,” Miller said, underscoring the bloc’s commitment to supporting democratic processes in the country.
The hour-long meeting covered a broad agenda, including governance and constitutional reform, judicial independence, labour law updates, trade and investment ties, and the broader political transition. Ambassador Miller praised the July National Charter as a “very important document” and hailed recent labour law reforms and judicial strengthening initiatives as “significant achievements.”
He described the upcoming elections as a “critical opportunity to rebuild Bangladesh’s international image” and reaffirmed the EU’s support for the Election Commission’s efforts to ensure free, fair and credible polls.
The two sides also explored avenues to deepen economic co-operation. Discussions included the potential negotiation of an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and new investment opportunities in aviation and shipping. Notably, an agreement is expected soon with global shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk for the development and management of the Laldia Terminal at Chittagong Port. Miller revealed that the Danish company plans to invest approximately $800 million to transform Laldia into one of the region’s most modern container terminals.
Additionally, the Chief Adviser and the Ambassador agreed to enhance collaboration in combating human trafficking and irregular migration. They also exchanged views on the electoral environment, candidate eligibility, and the importance of upholding due process and human rights in the run-up to the vote.
The EU’s robust observer presence signals both heightened international interest in Bangladesh’s democratic transition and its willingness to support credible, transparent elections as a cornerstone of that process.