Sylhet, Feb 8 (V7N) — The European Union Election Observation Mission met with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) nominee for the Sylhet-1 constituency and adviser to the BNP Chairperson, Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir, on Saturday morning. The meeting took place at 11:00 am in the hall room of a luxury hotel in Sylhet city.
The delegation was led by the Head of the EU Election Observation Mission and Member of the European Parliament, Ivars Ijabs. During the meeting, the observers sought Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir’s views on the overall situation on the ground regarding election campaigning, the level of preparedness for the polls, voter participation on election day, and the prospects for a free, fair, and peaceful voting environment.
Members of the EU observation team, including Press Officer Eberhard Liew, were also present at the meeting.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir said the discussion with the EU observers focused mainly on the general election atmosphere, voter interest in the polls, and whether a fear-free environment exists for voters of all religions and communities, including women. He noted that the EU mission did not share any of its own observations during the meeting.
He further said the EU observers made it clear that they hold no position for or against any political party and are in Bangladesh solely to observe the election process and the overall voting environment.
The meeting was coordinated by journalist Badruddoza Badar, a member of the election media cell of the BNP candidate for the Sylhet-1 constituency.
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