The European Union (EU) will support Bangladesh to conduct elections in line with international standards with a significant financial package as well as its experiences and expertise.

“The EU will support the conduct of elections in this country in line with international standards,” said EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Sunday.

He said this while talking to reporters after a meeting between a five-member EU delegation and Chief Election Commissioners AMM Nasir Uddin at the latter's office in the capital.

The EU ambassador said they will provide this support with a significant financial package as well as offering their experiences and expertise in the conduct of elections in Bangladesh.

The EU also wants to deploy an election observation mission in Bangladesh, he added.

He said they passed two other key messages through the Bangladesh Election Commission.

Raising the messages, he said the EU is a steadfast partner for this country and standing with Bangladesh at this moment of incredibly important transition.

EU supports interim govt’s reform ambition: Hadja Lahbib

About the remaining message, Miller said, “EU is looking to reinforce its partnership with Bangladesh on all its dimensions.”

He said they are working to support the reform ambition of the interim government in conducting the election in line with expectations of its own citizens as expressed last year and the ongoing manners.

Later, CEC AMM Nasir Uddin said the EU wants to see an election to be held in line with international standards. “They want a free, fair and credible election. It is also our promise towards the nation. We also want it too.”

He said his commission is working neutrally. “We’re working in a very transparent way.” 

He said the EU actually came to the EC to know the EC’s preparation for the upcoming national election. “We also informed them about our works and preparations we are doing for the next election,” he said.

EU keen to exchange “good practices, preparedness strategies" with Bangladesh

Nasir Uddin said the EU delegation asked the EC whether it had enough money to conduct the election. But the EC replied that there is no problem about money as it has already sent a budget proposal to the government in this regard, he said.

“They clearly informed us that they are ready to assist us in every way possible,” said the CEC.