Visiting European Union Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore on Tuesday said that they would not just observe the day of voting, they would observe the pre-election environment in Bangladesh also.
“Whenever we look at elections, we just don't look at what happens on the day of voting. We also look at the pre-election environment, situation of the political parties, political debates, media and what are the arrangements for the organizing of the elections,” he said replying to a question after his meeting with State Minister for foreign affairs Md Shahriar Alam at the state guesthouse Padma.
Referring to the just-concluded visit of an exploratory mission of the EU, he said they would submit their report to Brussels based on which the decision to send an election observer would be taken.
He, however, said the EU would like to see free and fair elections in Bangladesh.
The state minister reiterated the government's position of holding free and fair elections and said they welcome election observers.
“We have discussed elections. But we have not discussed how to bring in other political parties (in elections). It's up to them. We have renewed our commitment to hold free and fair elections. They are fully aware of that,” he said. The EU election exploration mission had 75 meetings during their 15 days stay in Dhaka.
He highlighted the EU's contribution to the Bangladesh economy with its “everything but arms” scheme that allowed duty free market access to all Bangladeshi products in the EU member states.
The visiting special representative, Eamon Gilmore, said human rights is at the “centre” of the EU and Bangladesh relations.
“We give importance to human rights in our relationship," he said, adding that the European consumers as well as investors are aware of that.
Gilmore arrived in Dhaka on Monday on a six-day visit.
He will hold meetings with government officials and other stakeholders to discuss human rights issues.
He will also discuss with concerned government officials over the Rohingya issue and will visit the camps in Cox's Bazar.
Meanwhile, the foreign ministry said they have discussed various aspects of the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the EU and vowed to remain engaged to further strengthen the partnership.
"They have exchanged views on the partnership in trade and economy in light of enhanced awareness of the business community and consumers about human rights, labour rights and sustainability. Issues such as freedom of expression, open space for media and upcoming national elections were also discussed."
