Ivars Ijabs, the Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), lauded the "positive enthusiasm and participation" of Bangladeshi voters during the first half of today's 13th National Parliament Election and the concurrent constitutional Referendum.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the Curzon Hall polling center at Dhaka University, Ijabs noted that the mission has witnessed significant voter engagement across the country.

"We have seen a lot of positive enthusiasm and participation on behalf of Bangladeshi citizens, and let us all hope that it’s going to stay like that until the very end of the voting," Ijabs stated.

He emphasized that the EU mission remains strictly neutral, with over 200 observers currently monitoring the process in cities, towns, and rural areas across all 64 districts.

The mission is receiving real-time updates on polling station openings, voter turnout, and the general conduct of the election via its nationwide network.

The Chief Observer described the election as a "wonderful opportunity" for the people of Bangladesh to cast their votes in a free, participatory, and competitive environment.

He reiterated that the mission's role is to observe and provide a fact-based assessment rather than participate in the political process.

The EU EOM is scheduled to release its preliminary findings at a press conference on February 14 at 12 pm, following a thorough assessment of the polling, counting and tabulation processes.