The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has described Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections, held on Thursday (February 12), as "credible" and "competently managed", calling them a “pivotal step” toward restoring democratic governance and the rule of law. Ivars Ijabs, member of the European Parliament (MEP) and Chief Observer of the mission, presented the preliminary statement at a press briefing today in Dhaka, with the Delegation of MEPs led by Tomáš Zdechovský endorsing the findings. “The 2026 parliamentary elections were genuinely competitive, with fundamental freedoms broadly respected,” Ijabs said. “The electoral legal framework largely accords with international standards, while the Bangladesh Election Commission worked independently and transparently, maintaining stakeholders’ confidence and lending integrity to the polls.” He also noted the contributions of citizen observers, fact-checkers, and youth and women activists in enhancing transparency and helping voters make informed choices. According to EU observers, election day was calm and orderly, with poll workers managing voting and counting efficiently. Party agents were present at all stages, and local-level result updates by returning officers and media helped maintain public confidence. However, the mission highlighted shortcomings, including limited participation of persons with disabilities, restricted political space for women, sporadic localised political violence, and persistent fear of mob attacks fueled by disinformation. Indigenous communities and minorities also remain underrepresented in politics due to the absence of affirmative action measures, the observers said. Ijabs urged Bangladesh to move away from outdated practices and promote independent institutions, human rights, and accountability. Zdechovský added: “The country is now entering a new crucial phase. We urge the new parliament and government, backed by all other state institutions, to implement the approved reforms.” The EU EOM has been in Bangladesh since late 2025, with 223 international observers from EU Member States, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland deployed across all 64 districts on election day. The mission will continue monitoring the post-election environment and publish a final report with recommendations in the coming months.