European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission has officially scaled up its operations in Bangladesh, with Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs emphasizing that the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election 2026 and the Referendum, scheduled for February 12, are crucial for bolstering the country's democratic institutions.

Speaking at a media briefing in Dhaka on Sunday, Ijabs, a Latvian Member of the European Parliament, underscored the necessity of inclusive participation and a credible voter turnout.

"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 told reporters.

This marks the first fully-fledged EU observation mission in Bangladesh since 2008, signaling a significant reinvestment in the country’s democratic transition.

The mission is intensifying its presence on this day with the arrival of 56 long-term observers who will be stationed across all 64 administrative districts. At its peak, the mission will comprise approximately 200 observers from all 27 EU member states, along with partners from Canada, Norway and Switzerland.

Two days after the elections, on February 14, the EU observation mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Dhaka. A comprehensive final report, including recommendations for future elections, will be published and presented to the authorities some two months later.

"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 Ivars Ijabs.

In the course of its work the Mission will engage with election administration, political parties, judiciary, civil society and media, to observe and analyse various aspects of the process such as election preparations, the legal framework and its implementation, the conduct of campaign and electoral dispute resolution.

The Mission will also assess the overall space for political and civic participation, including for women, youths and other vulnerable groups.

"Our technical assessment is guided by three core principles: independence, impartiality, and non-interference," Ijabs stated. He clarified that while the mission will observe and analyze the process—including legal frameworks, media space, and campaign conduct—it will not certify the results. "These elections belong solely to the people of Bangladesh," he added.

The Mission will specifically assess the degree of political and civic space available to women, youth, and vulnerable groups. Specialized units have also been established to monitor traditional and social media to determine if voters have access to the information needed to make informed choices.

With Inputs from UNB