Bangladesh: Statement by the Spokesperson on the elections

The European Union welcomes the holding of genuinely competitive parliamentary elections and referendum in Bangladesh in a peaceful atmosphere.

The people of Bangladesh have exercised their democratic rights in large numbers.

The EU deployed an Election Observation Mission, which presented its preliminary findings in a press conference on 14 February where it noted that the elections were credible and competently managed, marking a pivotal step towards restoring democratic governance and rule of law. The mission's final report will be published later this year.

We call on stakeholders to work together to deliver on the constitutional, judicial and other important reforms for which popular support has been expressed in the referendum and note the vital role of the new Parliament in this regard.

The EU looks forward to working with the new government of Bangladesh to intensify relations and stands ready to support reforms that are underpinned by respect for democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law.