EU hopes for free, fair polls in Bangladesh

The 11th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh will be held in a free and fair manner, visiting European Union Ambassador Rensje Teerink hoped today.

“We hope a good contest and free and fair election will be held,” EU Ambassador Teerink said while briefing the reporters after holding a meeting with the chief election commissioner and other election commissioners.

Teerink, who is the head of a three-member election expert mission, arrived in Dhaka yesterday to monitor the situation before and after the national election.The other two members are: David Noel Ward and Erini-Maria Gourani.

“We had a good meeting with the CEC and his colleagues. We have briefed them so that they can start doing their jobs,” she told reporters,.

There are many reasons for not sending a full-fledged team of EU observers because it requires a lot of preparation, Teerink said, adding “We had to start the process at least six months ago”.

“We are sending expert mission that has given us good feedback. It shows commitment of the EU,” she also said.

Teerink added that it is very challenging for the CEC and EC members to hold the election.