No Major Security Risks for Feb 12 Election: EU Mission

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has stated it does not anticipate major security risks while monitoring Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary elections.

Speaking at a media briefing in Dhaka on Saturday, Deputy Chief Observer Inta Lase confirmed the team is operating with its own security protocols and does not expect serious safety concerns.

The mission has already deployed 56 long-term observers to all 64 districts ahead of the February 12 vote. The full team will eventually grow to roughly 200 observers from 27 EU member states, alongside partners from Canada, Norway, and Switzerland.

The mission will assess the election based on Bangladesh’s domestic laws and international democratic commitments. Ensuring women, ethnic and religious minorities, and regional groups can participate freely. Using voter turnout as a metric for whether citizens feel empowered to exercise their rights.

This marks the first full-fledged EU observation mission in Bangladesh since 2008. A core group of 11 analysts is currently based in Dhaka, supported by 56 long-term observers. They will be joined by 90 short-term observers shortly before election day to monitor voting, counting, and the tabulation of results.

The mission follows a strict code of neutrality and non-interference. It is expected to release a preliminary statement on February 14, with a comprehensive final report and recommendations to follow later.