In response to a formal invitation by the Bangladeshi authorities, the High Representative / Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas has decided to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the Parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 February 2026.

The High Representative has appointed Ivars Ijabs, Member of the European Parliament, as its Chief Observer, according to a statement published on Tuesday (December 16) on the website of the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU’s diplomatic arm.

”I am honoured to lead this EU Election Observation Mission to Bangladesh, which will deliver an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process.”

”This mission is a tangible example of the EU support to the people of Bangladesh and their aspiration for stronger democratic institutions, rule of law and human rights,” Ivars Ijabs said.

The EU said they are supporting the conduct of “free and fair, participatory” elections.

Earlier, representatives of the EU Delegation, Bangladesh Election Commission, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed a formal agreement for the EU to observe the elections in February 2026.

This will be the largest democratic exercise, anywhere, in 2026, said the EU Embassy in Dhaka.