EU highlights time pressure for election reforms in Bangladesh

The European Union (EU) has once again pledged its support for Bangladesh’s upcoming election, ensuring it meets international standards.

However, the EU also pointed out that time is running short to complete the necessary reforms. 

This message was shared after a meeting on Tuesday between the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal and EU Ambassador Michael Miller.

After the Sheikh Hasina government’s fall, interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus suggested that elections might be held between late 2025 and the first half of 2026. 

The Election Commission has said it’s preparing for that timeline.

On Tuesday morning, Ambassador Miller met with CEC Kazi Habibul Awal to discuss the progress on election preparations and to go over the Election Commission‍‍`s 150 proposals for reform.

Following the meeting, Ambassador Miller told the media that the EU is ready to offer full support for the next general election. 

He shared, 

"I came here to meet with the CEC, and we had a great discussion about the next general election. I have come with a message of assistance. We discussed the reform process of the interim government, transparent elections in line with international standards, and what kind of support the EU can offer to the Election Commission during this very important time for Bangladesh."

The CEC also mentioned that concerns were raised over any potential threats to the independence of the Election Commission, and the EU agreed that this must be protected.

Kazi Habibul Awal stated, 

"We have emphasized that we do not want the Election Commission‍‍`s independence to be compromised, and they have appreciated this. They have said that they also believe the Election Commission should be independent."

The CEC further revealed that the EU had stressed the urgency of the reforms in light of the election timeline.

Kazi Habibul Awal explained, 

"They have stressed the importance of the reforms and mentioned that the time for reforms is running out. They are focusing on the ongoing reform process. This is their suggestion, not a pressure."

Lastly, the Chief Election Commissioner shared that the EU has shown interest in sending observers to monitor the upcoming elections in Bangladesh.