DHAKA, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS) – The European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission today clarified its interpretation of “inclusive and participatory” elections, underscoring broad social inclusion, credible voter turnout and peaceful polls ahead of Bangladesh’s national election scheduled for February 12.

Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs of the European Union Election Observation Mission explained the mission’s position while addressing a crowded media briefing in the capital.

“And as for the inclusive participatory, this is an important issue. I think the inclusive means, from our perspective first of all, the inclusion of all social groups of Bangladesh citizens - groups like women, groups like ethnic, religious, minorities, and also the regional groups to participate,” he said.

In response to a question, the Chief Observer said participatory was precisely what the mission was seeking, referring to a credible level of voter turnout in the elections.

He said such participation would indicate that Bangladeshi citizens are actively engaging in the democratic process to determine their own future.

On inclusivity, Ijabs said it encompasses the overall ability of citizens to participate as well as the assurance that their votes are counted in a fair and transparent manner.

Addressing concerns over possible intimidation of minority groups, the Chief Observer said this remains a key focus of the mission.

“As for the intimidation of minority groups, he said this is, of course, an important issue."We are going to send our observers to all 64 districts of the country and they will be asked to pay special attention to such a possibility."

When asked about pre- or post-election violence, he said the issue had featured prominently in discussions with local interlocutors.

"This is, well, a problem in many ways, but I still hope and I still expect the Bangladeshis (will address this issue) ..... elections are understanding the seriousness of this issue, because, as it was said, one life lost is one too many," he said, underscoring the absolute value of every human life.

He added that all stakeholders had shown strong commitment to holding a credible election free from violence.

The Chief Observer also said the mission has dedicated media and social media monitoring units.

Following an invitation from the Bangladesh authorities, the European Union deployed the EU Election Observation Mission for the upcoming parliamentary polls.

Led by Ijabs, a Member of the European Parliament from Latvia, the mission began its activities in late December 2025 and is being reinforced with the arrival of 56 long-term observers, who will be deployed across all 64 administrative districts.

This marks the first fully-fledged EU election observation mission to Bangladesh since 2008.

"This Election Observation mission reaffirms the importance the European Union attaches to the partnership with Bangladesh, built on mutual respect and shared commitment to democratic principles." said the Chief Observer.

He said the mission will engage with election authorities, political parties, the judiciary, civil society and the media to observe election preparations, the legal framework and its implementation, campaign conduct and electoral dispute resolution.

The mission will also assess the overall environment for political and civic participation, including for women, youth and other vulnerable groups.

The EU EOM will evaluate the extent to which traditional and social media contribute to voters’ ability to make informed choices.

"Our technical assessment of these elections is guided by three core principles: independence, impartiality and non-interference. We will employ a robust, well-established methodology of long-term, nation-wide observation. We will observe the process but will not certify the results. These elections belong solely to the people of Bangladesh," the Chief Observer said.

At full strength, the mission will comprise around 200 observers from all 27 EU member states, as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland, including a core team of analysts, long-term and short-term observers, and representatives from diplomatic missions.

"These historic elections will be crucial to bolster democratic institutions through the ballot box. Hence it will be important that the polls are conducted peacefully and in a credible and transparent manner. My hope is that our work here will also contribute to public confidence and trust in the electoral process," he said.

The EU EOM will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Dhaka on February 14, two days after the election, while a comprehensive final report with recommendations will be released about two months later.

All EU EOM observers are bound by a strict code of conduct and operate in line with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation endorsed under UN auspices in 2005.

European diplomats stationed in Dhaka, including EU Ambassador Michael Miller, were present at the media briefing.