European Union (EU) Ambassador Michael Miller has said ensuring broad voter participation will be the most pressing challenge for Bangladesh as it prepares for its 13th national parliamentary election, expected in early February.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasiruddin at the Election Commission headquarters in Dhaka on Tuesday, Miller said the upcoming polls mark a crucial moment for the country’s democratic trajectory.

He reiterated that the EU will provide technical and logistical support to help Bangladesh manage both the national vote and the planned referendum on the July constitutional charter.

Miller noted that many citizens have been unable to cast ballots for more than a decade, stressing that restoring public confidence is essential. All political actors, he said, should remain focused on delivering what could be the first genuinely competitive national election in many years.

He added that the EU is preparing to send a sizeable election observation mission, expressing confidence in the Election Commission’s preparations to date.

Referring to a mock election exercise held in Dhaka on November 29, he said he was impressed by the Commission’s readiness and the level of planning for the dual vote.

According to Miller, the election presents “a significant opportunity” for Bangladesh to demonstrate progress on democratic norms, counter perceptions of backsliding, and rebuild trust with international partners.
He said timely and well-organised polls would help “reset the narrative” around the country’s political process.

Miller described Bangladesh’s upcoming election as an event of considerable global interest. The Election Commission is expected to announce the official polling schedule later this month.