Photo: Collected

DHAKA, April 28, 2026 (BSS) - The European Union Election Observation Mission today placed its final report on Bangladesh's February 12 parliamentary polls, offering 19 recommendations to strengthen future electoral processes and democratic governance.

The report, presented at a media briefing in the capital, was based on a two-month countrywide observation and carried a detailed assessment of the entire electoral process.

Chief EU Observer Ivars Ijabs said the elections were "credible and competently managed", marking a pivotal step towards restoring democratic governance and the rule of law.

He said the polls reflected a shared commitment to democratic processes among stakeholders, while public confidence was strengthened through the electoral exercise.

The mission observed several positive developments, saying the renewed legal framework was largely aligned with international standards for democratic elections.

It said the Bangladesh Election Commission worked professionally, remained open in its approach and successfully enfranchised around 770,000 overseas voters.

The report also praised the proactive role of Electoral Enquiry and Adjudication Committees in enforcing campaign rules and noted a revitalised civic space alongside initiatives to counter disinformation.

He said the European Union stood ready to support Bangladesh in these efforts in line with the recently initialled Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

The mission placed six priority recommendations, including comprehensive revision of the electoral legal framework, stronger campaign finance rules, affirmative action to increase women's participation, reforms for a safer digital environment, greater transparency in vote tabulation and wider eligibility for postal voting.

The mission was present in Bangladesh from December 28, 2025 to March 4, 2026, with 223 international observers from EU member states, Canada, Norway and Switzerland deployed across all 64 districts.