POBNEWS24, Dhaka Jan 11, 2026 : Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) Ivars Ijabs today said the EU is going to send a large election observation team to Bangladesh, noting that the forthcoming election will be historic for the country.
Ijabs said this at a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna here this morning.
“Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) Ivars Ijabs met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at 11:30 am to discuss preparations for the upcoming national election and referendum,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy here this afternoon.
He described the meeting as highly important, with extensive discussions covering election preparedness, the level playing field for political parties, and the referendum, particularly the “Yes” vote.
The press secretary pointed out that although the EU does not send election observer missions to many countries, it has decided to do so for Bangladesh because of the country’s large population, its strong trade partnership with the EU, and the fact that Bangladesh is regarded as a close friend.
He also noted that during the nearly sixteen years of Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, the EU did not send any election observation mission even once.
During the meeting, the EU EOM chief stated that he witnessed positive feelings and strong enthusiasm across the country regarding the upcoming polls and the referendum. As a reason, he mentioned that the previous three parliamentary elections were not considered credible.
Ijabs sought detailed information on election preparations and the level playing field, Shafiqul Alam said, adding that there was no discussion during the meeting regarding the Awami League or its participation in the election.
More to follow…
