As Bangladesh prepares for its parliamentary elections scheduled for February 2026, the European Union (EU) is set to play a crucial role in ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process. Reports indicate that the EU plans to deploy approximately 150 election observers to monitor the polls. To formalize this, the EU has proposed signing a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Election Commission (EC).

Akhtar Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Election Commission, disclosed that the EU delegation recently met with election officials to discuss observer access to polling stations and the publication of election results. The observers will not all arrive at once but will come in waves in accordance with the election schedule. The EU is keen on monitoring the election results' transparency, the timing of official notifications, and the availability of information to the public via the Commission’s website.

Supporting the election process further, the United Kingdom has committed to assist Bangladesh by providing training for polling agents and election officials. British High Commissioner Sarah Cook highlighted ongoing collaborations with international partners to conduct a national civic education program, focusing on vulnerable groups and improving the capacity of election officials to ensure a free and fair election.

The EU’s involvement also includes technical expertise and capacity-building efforts to strengthen the independence, accountability, and efficiency of Bangladesh’s democratic institutions. This mission aligns with the EU’s broader commitment to supporting democratic transitions and electoral integrity worldwide.

Together, the EU and UK’s proactive engagement aims to facilitate peaceful, fair, and highly credible elections, bolstering Bangladesh’s democracy as it navigates a significant political milestone in 2026.