ISLAMABAD: The European Union (EU) will deploy a large election observation mission to Bangladesh for the country’s upcoming national election and referendum, the head of the mission Ivars Ijabs told the Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported on Sunday.
The Chief Adviser’s press secretary said EU election observation mission emphasized support for a “Yes” vote in the referendum, calling it crucial for enabling the implementation of essential reform agendas.
Ijabs also informed the Chief Adviser that EU observers will be deployed across the country, monitor all regions and hold meetings with major political parties and other stakeholders as part of their mandate, BSS reported.
Chief Adviser Yunus assured the EU that the election and referendum would be conducted smoothly and would be free, fair, credible, peaceful and festive.
He said the Election Commission and the interim government are fully prepared to ensure the smooth conduct of both processes, adding that a level playing field will be ensured for all political parties and that he does not anticipate major difficulties.
'Extremely important'
Yunus thanked the EU for sending the observation mission, describing it as “extremely important” for holding a credible election and supporting Bangladesh’s democratic transition, BSS reported.
He said security forces will use body-worn cameras at vulnerable polling centers to monitor potential disturbances or deterioration in law and order. The system will be connected centrally through a mobile application, allowing monitoring at upazila, district, division, and Dhaka levels.
In addition, all polling centers will be equipped with closed-circuit television cameras to enable rapid identification of troublemakers, he said. The military will remain deployed as a rapid-response striking force to intervene immediately if required.
Awareness-building campaigns
On the referendum, Yunus said the interim government is conducting and will continue awareness-building campaigns in favor of a “Yes” vote.
He said legal opinions were sought on the issue and that top legal experts have provided written confirmation that the interim government is legally permitted to seek public support for the referendum, with no legal barriers.
Although the formal election campaign is set to begin on January 22, Yunus said an election wave is already visible across the country.
He identified misinformation and disinformation on social media as a major challenge, warning that elements linked to the fallen autocratic regime may attempt to disrupt the process. However, he said security forces are fully prepared to address any such threats.
Yunus also noted strong enthusiasm among women and young voters and expressed optimism that voter turnout in the upcoming election would be very high.
