Dhaka, Feb. 14 -- The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has termed Bangladesh's parliamentary election as "credible and competitive", saying the process was largely in line with international standards.

Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs presented the mission's preliminary findings on Saturday in Dhaka, noting that the polls represent a pivotal move toward restoring democratic governance and the rule of law.

"This historic contest was genuinely competitive, with fundamental freedoms broadly respected," he added.

He noted that the electoral legal framework "largely" accords with international standards, while the Election Commission worked "independently and transparently", maintaining stakeholder confidence and lending integ...