EU to deploy up to 200 observers for Feb polls

The Election Commission has signed a tripartite agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Union to facilitate international observation of the national election scheduled for February 12, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said.

Under the agreement, a European Union election observation mission comprising around 175 to 200 members will be deployed at different stages of the electoral process, both before and after polling day.

The mission will be led by Member of the European Parliament Ivars Ījabs and will conduct its activities with logistical and administrative support from the Election Commission.

Akhtar Ahmed said the EU delegation will observe various aspects of the election process in line with the terms of the agreement, adding that the EC will extend all necessary cooperation.

He noted that the commission has asked the observers to respect local protocols wherever applicable, including special arrangements required in sensitive regions such as the Chattogram Hill Tracts.

Although the agreement was formally signed on December 15, the EC Secretary said final approval was granted later by the European Union authorities. “The agreement was approved at the EU headquarters in Brussels, and we received confirmation last night,” he said.

He added that preparatory work related to the observation mission has already started and that more information regarding the deployment and activities of the observers will be shared in due course.