The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) on Tuesday officially released its final report on Bangladesh’s February 12 parliamentary elections, providing 19 recommendations aimed at bolstering future electoral integrity and democratic governance.
Presented at a media briefing in the capital, the report follows a two-month countrywide observation that assessed the entirety of the electoral cycle.
Chief EU Observer Ivars Ijabs characterized the polls as "credible and competently managed," describing them as a pivotal step in restoring the rule of law and democratic stability in the country.
He noted that the elections reflected a collective commitment among stakeholders to democratic processes, which in turn helped strengthen public confidence.
The mission’s report highlighted several positive milestones, noting that the updated legal framework largely aligns with international standards for democratic elections.
The EU EOM commended the Bangladesh Election Commission for its professional and transparent approach, particularly its success in enfranchising approximately 770,000 overseas voters.
Furthermore, the report praised the proactive enforcement of campaign regulations by the Electoral Enquiry and Adjudication Committees and recognized a revitalized civic space supported by new initiatives to combat disinformation.
Ivars Ijabs reaffirmed the European Union’s readiness to support Bangladesh’s democratic journey in accordance with the recently initialed Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
Among the 19 suggestions, the mission identified six priority recommendations: a comprehensive revision of the electoral legal framework, the implementation of stricter campaign finance rules, and affirmative action to increase women's participation in politics.
Additionally, the report called for reforms to create a safer digital environment, enhanced transparency in the vote tabulation process, and the expansion of eligibility for postal voting.
The EU mission, which operated in Bangladesh from December 28, 2025, to March 4, 2026, utilized a team of 223 international observers from EU member states, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland, who were deployed across all 64 districts to ensure a thorough assessment.
