The European Union (EU) is planning to send a large delegation of election observers to Bangladesh for the upcoming general election, slated for the first half of February — marking the first such mission since 2008, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller said on Tuesday.

Ambassador Miller made the announcement during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.

He said the observer mission is yet to be formally confirmed but could include between 150 and 200 members. Some members are expected to arrive about six weeks before the polls, with the rest joining a week prior to election day.

This would be the first time since 2008 that the EU is sending such a full-fledged election observer team to Bangladesh,” Ambassador Miller told the Chief Adviser, adding that the bloc also plans to support the deployment of local election observers during the vote.

During the hour-long meeting, the two sides discussed a wide range of issues — including governance and constitutional reforms, election preparations, judicial and labour reforms, trade and investment relations between Bangladesh and the EU, and the broader political process in the country.

Ambassador Miller praised the July National Charter, describing it as a “very important” document aimed at ensuring a smooth democratic transition. He also lauded the recently approved labour law reforms and the government’s initiatives to strengthen the independence of the judiciary, terming them “notable successes.”

These are all important steps,” he said, reaffirming the EU’s continued support for the Election Commission’s efforts to ensure free, fair and credible elections in February.

Miller described the upcoming polls as “an opportunity to reset the reputation of the country.”

The envoy also reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s smooth transition from a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a middle-income nation.

Both sides discussed ways to deepen trade and investment ties, including the prospects of an economic partnership agreement and new opportunities in aviation and shipping. They also agreed to enhance cooperation to combat human trafficking and illegal migration.

The Chief Adviser informed the envoy that Bangladesh is expected to sign an agreement with global shipping giant A.P. Moller–Maersk for the development and management of the Laldia Terminal at Chattogram Port.

Ambassador Miller said the Danish company plans to invest around $800 million to develop Laldia into one of the top terminals in the region.

The meeting also touched upon the overall election environment, candidate eligibility, and ensuring due process to uphold human rights ahead of the polls.