Meeting Between the Election Commission and EU Delegation Today

In preparation for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh, a meeting is scheduled today between the Election Commission (EC) and a delegation from the European Union (EU).

The meeting will take place this afternoon at the Election Commission Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka, with the EU’s pre-election team.

On Thursday, 18 September, Akhtar Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Election Commission, informed journalists that the EU would provide €4 million in support for the upcoming national election. The delegation aims to ensure that the election is free, fair, and credible according to international standards, and will include expert observers from the EU.

The EC Secretary emphasised that Bangladesh has been given priority for election observation by the EU. The organisation intends to assist in promoting democracy and will monitor the upcoming parliamentary elections. Their collaboration will focus on:

• Enhancing electoral education and training capacities in Bangladesh.
• Working with the Election Commission and civil society to address electoral challenges.
• Providing support in managing disinformation, misinformation, and digital challenges in the electoral process.

Previously, on 19 August, EU Ambassador Michael Miller met with the Election Commission to discuss preparations. Meanwhile, the Election Commission is preparing to announce the election schedule in the first half of December in anticipation of voting in the first half of February next year.

The meeting underscores the EU’s commitment to strengthening democratic processes in Bangladesh and ensuring that the upcoming parliamentary election meets international standards.