The European Union (EU) delegation has voiced their confidence in the Election Commission’s claim that it is capable of holding a free, fair and transparent upcoming national election.
William Hanna, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, briefed media after holding a one-hour meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad on Wednesday morning.
Hanna, who led a six-member EU delegation at the Election Commission around 9:30am, said he thought the commission was better prepared in comparison to the last time.
"I am happy to have met the CEC. We have been supporting this commission for a long time."
Regarding the matters discussed in the meeting, Hanna said: "We held regular talks."
He said the meeting discussed the €10m EU fund provided to the commission for election purposes.
When asked if the EU will send over an observer delegation during the upcoming elections, Hanna said the decision will wait for now.
"We will first report on this meeting to our headquarters. A decision will come afterwards."
Among others present during the meeting was Election Commission Secretary Mohammad Sadik.
On Tuesday, the delegation sat in talks with opposition BNP leaders at the party chairperson's Gulshan residence.
On Monday, talks were held with ruling Awami League leaders at the party's Dhanmondi office.
On Sunday, United States Secretary of State John Kerry wrote to the chiefs of the two prime political parties in the country, calling upon them to find a way to hold free, fair and credible elections.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Dan W Mozena personally handed over the letters to Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia.
Earlier, United Nations General Secretary Ban Ki-moon also called up the two leaders, urging them to come to a mutual understanding ahead of the upcoming national elections.
