The European Union (EU) is planning to deploy a large-scale election observation mission to Bangladesh for the upcoming general election, expected in the first half of February. This would be the first full-fledged EU mission of its kind since 2008.
During a meeting between EU Ambassador in Dhaka Michael Miller and Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Ambassador announced the mission could comprise between 150 and 200 members, with some arriving six weeks before the election.
The discussion was about Governance and Constitutional Reforms, Election Preparations, Judicial and Labour Reforms, Trade and Investment relations, Broader political process
Ambassador Miller praised the July National Charter and the recent labour law reforms and initiatives to strengthen the judiciary's independence, calling them "notable successes." He emphasized the EU's continued support for ensuring free, fair, and credible elections, describing the upcoming polls as an "opportunity to reset the reputation of the country."
The discussion also touched upon economic ties, including support for Bangladesh's LDC graduation, exploring an economic partnership agreement, and cooperating on human trafficking and illegal migration. Notably, Professor Yunus mentioned an expected agreement with A.P. Moller-Maersk to develop the Laldia Terminal at Chittagong Port, with the Danish company planning to invest around US$800 million.
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