The European Union has committed €4 million to support Bangladesh's upcoming 13th national elections, aiming to ensure the polls meet international standards for fairness and credibility. This funding will provide crucial technical assistance and support the potential deployment of an EU election observation mission.
EU Ambassador Michael Miller announced the pledge following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin in Dhaka. Ambassador Miller indicated that a technical assessment team would visit Bangladesh next month to evaluate the conditions for a comprehensive observation mission. This initiative highlights the EU's commitment to Bangladesh's democratic transition, with national elections anticipated in early 2026.
The EU's assistance is multifaceted, focusing on enhancing the capacity of electoral management bodies, strengthening domestic observation mechanisms, refining operational planning, and bolstering dispute resolution frameworks. This approach builds upon lessons learned from a previous EU Election Expert Mission in early 2024, which identified that the elections at that time did not fully meet key international benchmarks.
The financial support comes as Bangladesh is under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, established in August 2024. The interim administration is engaged in reforms to strengthen democratic institutions in preparation for the general elections. The Election Commission is responsible for setting the precise date for the polls, with readiness targeted between December 2025 and June 2026.
Ambassador Miller emphasized the EU's focus on the independence, efficiency, and accountability of Bangladeshi institutions as foundational elements for a credible electoral process. The EU's commitment underscores its role in fostering democratic resilience and deeper understanding as Bangladesh moves toward a new electoral chapter.