European Union won’t sent observers to the 11th national parliamentary elections. The Election Commission sent a letter (note verbale) to the European countries, asking for observers but the EU declined. However, the EU will send specialists before polls to get an idea about preparations.

Commission sources say that EC sent invitation to EU and other international organisations in December last year inviting representatives.

A ‘note verbale’ sent by the EU to the EC also encouraged Bangladesh to hold free, fair, transparent elections.

On Thursday, a seven member EU team went to the EC for a meeting. Afterwards, the EU ambassador, Rensje Teernik, told the media: “we hope that the election will be participatory and competitive and EU will send a specialist team who will come after the schedule is declared.”

Election commissioner, Rafiqul Islam, told Bangla Tribune: “we did not ask anyone to send observers but said, anyone wanting to monitor within the framework is welcome.”

Relevant to note, the EU sent observers in 2008 elections and didn’t send anyone in 2014, confirmed EC joint secretary, communication, S M Asaduzzaman.