EU Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs praises Bangladesh elections, emphasizing transparency, credibility, and democratic participation nationwide. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) Ivars Ijabs today described the start of Bangladesh's national election and referendum as a significant moment for democracy, as EU monitors began countrywide observation.

"I think this is a big day for Bangladesh's democracy," he told reporters at Siddheswari Girls' College at New Bailey Road after observing the opening of the vote casting.

Ijabs said that they are all looking forward to have a 'participatory, credible and trusted' elections in Bangladesh in this historical moment.
He said they will continue to monitor the elections across the country, including the vote counting process at the end of the day.

The Chief Observer said he would come with further information at 12pm after visiting the Curzon Hall, Dhaka University.

The EU EOM deployed 90 short-term observers (STOs) to observe the election-day proceedings in all 64 administrative districts of the country.

The short-term observers will observe opening of polling centres, voting, closing, as well as counting of the ballots and the tabulation of results.

"The short-term observers will be present in cities, towns and villages in almost every constituency. Their observations and reports throughout the day will be a critical element of our impartial and fact-based assessment of these historic elections," Ijabs told reporters.

With a total of 200 observers deployed across the country, he said they are contributing to the transparency of these historic elections.