The European Union (EU) has decided not to send its election observation team to Bangladesh, expressing concerns about the perceived risks associated with the electoral environment in the country. 

The decision came up after the assessment of the EU delegation visited Bangladesh in January and July this year.

This EU informed the Election Commission (EC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the decision through a letter on Wednesday (September 20).

However, the EU might send small expert teams to collect data and may make an official statement in this regard within a day or two.

Regarding the EU decision, the foreign ministry sources said, it is not clear how they assessed the environment. 

During the July visit, the six-member EU exploratory mission held meetings with a range of stakeholders including the EC, officials of the ministries of home, law, information, foreign affairs, and Chattogram Hill Tracts affairs, law enforcers, civil society groups, and journalists.

BDST: 1654 HRS, SEP 21, 2023
MSK/SMS