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The European Union is set to deploy approximately 200 observers for election and referendum monitoring.

  Khaled Saifulla 17 Dec 2025 , 3:23 PM Print Edition

Bangladesh Rejects India’s ‘Advice’ While Welcoming 200 EU Election Observers

Here is the English translation of the report:

EU to Send 175–200 Observers for National Election and Referendum
The European Union (EU) will send between 175 and 200 observers to monitor the upcoming national election and referendum, confirmed Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.

He shared this information during a press briefing held at the Election Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Wednesday (December 17).

The EC Secretary stated that an administrative agreement has been signed between the European Union, the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Election Commission regarding election monitoring. Under this agreement, the EU will deploy a delegation to Bangladesh. “We have already received the name of the head of the delegation. He is Ivars Ijabs, a Member of the European Parliament,” the Secretary added. He explained that although the agreement was finalized last work day, it was kept confidential until official approval was confirmed by the EU headquarters in Brussels last night.

According to the Secretary, the current estimate is that 175 to 200 observers will arrive, though the exact number and their detailed schedule will be announced later. Under the tripartite agreement, the commission will provide the necessary administrative support to the observer team.

“Specifically, the Commission will assist with their transportation and movement. However, we have requested that they strictly follow local security protocols in certain sensitive areas, such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts,” Akhtar Ahmed said. He also noted that the team will bring their own necessary equipment and will take it back upon completion of their mission.

The agreement stipulates that the observers must work in accordance with Bangladesh’s local and international election monitoring guidelines. In addition to the EU, the EC has received proposals for observation from Turkey and a few other organizations, the details of which will be disclosed later.

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Headline: EU to Deploy Up to 200 Observers for Bangladesh Polls; Agreement Signed

Meta Description: EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirms a tripartite agreement with the EU to send 175–200 election observers led by MEP Ivars Ijabs.

Tags: Election Commission, EU Observers, Bangladesh Election 2025, Ivars Ijabs, International Monitoring, Election News Bangladesh.