EU wants timely, peaceful and participatory polls in Bangladesh: Ambassador Miller

The European Union (EU) supports timely, peaceful and participatory elections in Bangladesh, EU Ambassador to Dhaka Michael Miller has said. He noted that the upcoming national polls present a major opportunity to rebuild confidence in the country’s democratic trajectory.

He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission on Tuesday.

Ambassador Miller said the EU is preparing to send a large observer mission for Bangladesh’s next national election—reflecting the bloc’s confidence in the electoral process.

Referring to last week’s mock voting exercise conducted by the Election Commission, he said he was impressed by the preparations to hold the national election and the referendum on the July Charter on the same day. He added that the EU has full confidence in the EC’s capacity and professionalism.

On the issue of free and fair polls, Miller expressed optimism, noting that many young people will vote for the first time. He said a key challenge will be bringing back those who have long abstained from voting due to fear of violence or lack of trust in elections. With the national election and referendum occurring on the same day, he emphasised the importance of properly guiding voters. He described the EC’s decision to extend voting hours as “wise and necessary.”

He further said that, after many years, Bangladesh now has an opportunity to hold a free and fair election—and all stakeholders must treat this opportunity with seriousness.