Bangladesh Elections: Observers Confirmed, India’s Status

Dhaka, Bangladesh – A total of 330 international observers have been confirmed to monitor Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th general election and a simultaneous referendum on the July National Charter, both scheduled for February. The number represents a significant increase in international oversight compared to previous elections.

International Observer Missions Confirmed

Six international organizations, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have committed to deploying at least 63 observers for the twin polls. These observers will work alongside missions from the European Union and 16 other countries, as well as 32 individuals affiliated with various international bodies.

The OIC observer mission will be led by Shakir Mahmood Bandar, Head of the OIC Election Observation Unit, and will consist of two members. Additional observer groups include 28 from the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and 25 from the Commonwealth Secretariat. The United States-based International Republican Institute (IRI) will send seven observers, and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) will send one.

Thirty-two observers will monitor the polls in their individual capacities, representing organizations such as Voice for Justice, Democracy International, SNAS Africa, the SAARC Human Rights Foundation, and the Polish Institute of International Affairs.

Increased Scrutiny Compared to Previous Elections

The confirmed number of international observers is more than double the 158 who observed the January 7, 2024, general election, which faced criticism and lower international participation. Previous elections saw 125 international observers for the 11th election and only four for the 10th election.

Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamiya Murshed, who is coordinating international observer visits, indicated that more observers are expected to join in the coming days as several invited countries finalize their delegations.

Countries Yet to Confirm Participation

India is among the countries invited to participate in the international observer mission but has yet to confirm its delegation. Other countries awaiting confirmation include Nepal, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, France, Kuwait, Morocco, Nigeria, and Romania. The Forum of the Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBoSA) is also expected to announce its delegates shortly.

The general election will feature nearly 2,000 candidates contesting 300 parliamentary seats, representing over 50 political parties and independent contenders. The election will be held concurrently with a referendum on the July National Charter.