EU Delegation: Visit Crucial for International Acceptability of Bangladesh’s Next Parliamentary Election
In a significant move, the European Union (EU) has decided to send a delegation to Bangladesh to assess the pre-polls atmosphere ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election. The assessment conducted by the EU exploratory mission, which will visit Bangladesh for two weeks starting July 9, could play a crucial role in determining the international acceptability of the election, according to analysts.
The primary objective of the EU mission is to observe the situation before deciding whether to send a team to monitor the election. This initiative marks the first of its kind for the upcoming polls and is expected to inspire other foreign countries and entities to follow suit, ultimately leading to stronger election monitoring.
Charles Whiteley, the EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, stated that the six-member delegation will hold discussions with all relevant stakeholders, including the government, political parties, Election Commission, security officials, civil society, and media. He emphasized that the delegation’s visit is an independent professional exercise and not a political EU mission.
The delegation members, similar to any observation mission, will assess the feasibility, usefulness, and advisability of deploying a full EU observation mission, explained Whiteley. Once the mission submits its report, the EU High Representative Josep Borrell will make the final decision regarding the deployment of election observers to Bangladesh.
M Humayun Kabir, President of the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI), stressed the significance of international acceptability for the upcoming election, particularly in light of the country’s economic and diplomatic challenges as it transitions from a Least Developed Country (LDC). Kabir also highlighted the changing global geopolitical environment following the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its potential implications.
Furthermore, Kabir highlighted the importance of a free and fair election for trade facilities like the EU’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Plus. As Bangladesh seeks to maintain its export destinations and foreign currency inflows, ensuring a transparent electoral process becomes a crucial factor.
The United States has also expressed concerns over the erosion of democracy in Bangladesh. During his visit to Dhaka in February, US State Department Counselor Derek Chollet stated that the state of democracy limits the country’s ability to cooperate with any nation, including Bangladesh. Moreover, the US recently announced a policy that individuals involved in vote rigging and intimidation will be denied US visas.
It is worth noting that both the US and EU are major destinations for Bangladesh’s exports, making international acceptability even more significant for the country’s economic and diplomatic relations.
The controversies surrounding the last two elections have had negative ramifications for Bangladesh as a democracy and in terms of good governance, according to Kabir. Therefore, the arrival of international observers holds considerable weight in ensuring a fair and credible electoral process.
In conclusion, the EU delegation’s visit to Bangladesh and its subsequent assessment will have a significant impact on the international acceptability of the country’s upcoming parliamentary election. The EU’s decision regarding election observers could inspire other foreign entities to participate in monitoring efforts. The presence of international observers is essential not only for ensuring a transparent election but also for preserving Bangladesh’s economic and diplomatic interests in the global arena.
