EU Envoy meets Fakhrul, discusses polls

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Wednesday met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and discussed Bangladesh’s overall political situation, the upcoming national election and the EU’s engagement in the electoral process.

The hour-long meeting, which began around 11am, was held at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present at the meeting.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said their discussions centred on election preparations, the current political situation and the EU's role, including financial support for the Election Commission and the planned deployment of election observers.

“Naturally, our discussions revolved around the election---our preparations, the current political context, and how we are moving forward,” he said.

Khosru said they told the EU envoy that the announcement of their party’s nomination list has already created an election atmosphere across the country. “People are now engaged and working for the election. In almost every area, there is a growing sense of election momentum.”

He said the EU has been extending support to Bangladesh’s Election Commission and civil society groups ahead of the polls.

“They are providing financial assistance to the Election Commission, working with civil society and maintaining communication with political parties. They have also decided to send election observers,” Khosru said.

The BNP leader said the discussions also touched on the EU’s ongoing involvement in the election process.

He said the European Union is giving significant attention to Bangladesh’s upcoming election, as they want the process to be completed on time, smoothly and successfully, reports UNB. 

“At this moment, their main focus is on ensuring a fair and credible election. Since the EU has a major involvement in this election, they want it to be held properly so that the country’s democratic order can be restored,” Khosru added.