European Union (EU) Ambassador Michael Miller expressed optimism on Tuesday about hosting a free and fair election in Bangladesh, saying it is time for Dhaka to show that it can reverse the global trend of democratic backsliding.
After meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner on Tuesday morning, he spoke with reporters about the impending 13th National Parliamentary Election, which will take place next year.
In response to a question from a BSS journalist, Miller stated that he believes all players in this country should be very focused on the potential of hosting the first free and fair elections in many years.
“What I want to pass as a message is that it is a moment for this country to show that it is bucking the trend on democratic backsliding,” said Mr Trump.
This is an opportunity for the country to shift the narrative, rebuild its reputation with international partners, and demonstrate that it can conduct these elections in a very correct and professional manner, he continued.
When asked about the country’s overall circumstances and the Election Commission’s (EC) efforts to hold a credible and fair election, he stated, “I’m very optimistic.”
“We see that the election commission is thinking ahead about all the possible complexities on the day itself, and they are taking all the mitigating measures that we can imagine,” according to him.
The EU ambassador stated, “So this work continues...” We don’t yet have an election schedule, but we’re looking forward to hearing it, and we’ll continue to support the first democratic elections in Bangladesh in a long time.”
He stated that the European Union supports elections that are held on schedule, smoothly, and with participation. “We see in such elections the great opportunity for Bangladesh to reset the narrative in terms of its own democratic path,” according to him.
“Just last weekend, I had the privilege of joining the chief of the election commission when he conducted a mock exercise to ensure that the commission is ready for the holding of elections that will combine not only the popular vote but also, of course, the referendum on the July charter. I was impressed by the level of advanced preparation of the election commission and the advanced consideration of the logistical challenges of holding an election and a referendum.
Miller also stated that the EU recognises the Bangladesh Election Commission’s commitment and professionalism, as well as its ability to conduct well-prepared elections.
He stated that the EU is prepared to send a huge election observation mission to Bangladesh to monitor the world’s largest democratic exercise in 2026.
“This is a sign of our confidence in the election process and our support for elections in this wonderfully diverse country,” according to him.
Concerning the obstacles of holding a free and fair election, he stated that Bangladesh has a generation of citizens who did not participate in prior elections. So, you have a whole generation of people, if not more, who have never voted. That will be an issue because people need to comprehend what they’re doing logistically on the day of the election or the referendum itself.
Earlier, at 10:45 am, a four-member delegation led by the EU Ambassador visited the Chief Election Commissioner at his office.
Baiba Zarina, Deputy Head of Delegation; Sebastian Riger-Brown, First Secretary (Political); and Jules Seitz, European Commission Policy Officer, accompanied the EU Ambassador.
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