Politics

EU preparing to send observers for Bangladesh polls: Amir Khasru

  Online Report 8 Oct 2025 , 3:10 PM Print Edition

The European Union (EU) is preparing to send election observers ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national parliamentary elections, scheduled for February next year.

The EU representatives have expressed hope that the polls will be transparent, credible and participatory.

At around 11 am on Wednesday, a delegation led by EU Ambassador Charles Whiteley met with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka.

Following the meeting, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury briefed reporters, saying, “The European Union has shown keen interest in sending observers to monitor Bangladesh’s upcoming general election. They have decided to do so following a formal request from the interim government and the Election Commission. The EU expects the election to be conducted with full transparency.”

Amir Khasru emphasised that the BNP was not appealing to foreign powers, saying, “We have no complaints to lodge to foreigners. The people of Bangladesh will decide their own future. However, the EU has always played a positive role in Bangladesh’s electoral process and they wish to continue that support.”

He added that the EU aims to maintain its longstanding trade relations with Bangladesh, while also assisting the country in strengthening democratic institutions, making the parliament more effective and fostering institutional democracy.

During the meeting, the BNP and EU delegates discussed the electoral process, public expectations, the democratic environment and the strengthening of the parliamentary system.

Responding to a question about a recent meeting between several foreign diplomats and now banned Awami League leader Saber Hossain Chowdhury at his residence, Amir Khasru said, “Who meets whom and where is their personal matter — we have no comment on that.”

In addition to Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present at the meeting.