EU to provide €4m support package for Bangladesh national elections
The European Union (EU) has pledged over €4 million to assist Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) in preparing for the country’s next general elections, scheduled for early 2026.
The funding is aimed at ensuring the polls meet international standards and are conducted in a transparent and credible manner, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller said on Tuesday.
Speaking to the media after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the EC headquarters in Dhaka’s Agargaon, Ambassador Miller described the EU’s role as that of a partner supporting Bangladesh’s democratic transition. “The European Union will provide more than €4 million in support to help Bangladesh hold elections that reflect international best practices. Today’s discussions with the Election Commission were very productive, and we will continue to engage closely with both the interim government and the EC on this matter,” he said.
According to Miller, the EU’s assistance will cover multiple areas, including capacity-building for election officials, technical advice on electoral management, improved planning and logistics, and strengthening mechanisms for dispute resolution. Special emphasis will also be placed on citizen observation and transparency in the voting process, he added.
The ambassador noted that representatives from the European Partnership for Democracy—an implementing partner of the EU—will work alongside Bangladeshi authorities to provide electoral expertise. “These partners will focus on citizen observation to make sure elections are inclusive and credible. This collaboration underscores our commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s democratic institutions,” Miller explained.
The announcement comes as Bangladesh begins its long run-up to the 2026 elections, with international observers watching closely amid growing calls for free, fair, and participatory polls. The EU has previously supported Bangladesh’s electoral reforms, but its role this time is expected to be more hands-on, with a focus on ensuring the credibility of the entire electoral process.
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