Representatives from 16 countries to observe election

A total of 57 observers from 16 countries are set to monitor Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and referendum on the July reform charter scheduled for February 12.

In addition to bilateral observers, several hundred observers from the European Union, Commonwealth and international organisations working on human rights and democratic governance will also monitor the election process.

The chief adviser’s press wing said Malaysia will send the highest number of representatives, with a 14-member team led by Election Commission chairman Dato Sri Ramlan Bin Dato Harun.

Turkey will send a 12-member parliamentary observer team led by former Turkish ambassador to Bangladesh Mehmet Vakur Erkul.

Observers will also arrive from Indonesia, five; Japan, four; Pakistan, three; Bhutan, Maldives, Philippines, Jordan, Georgia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan and South Africa, two each; and Sri Lanka, Iran and Uzbekistan, one each.

Notable observers include Pakistan chief election commissioner Mohammad Jalal Sikandar Sultan and Bhutan chief election commissioner Deki Pema.

SDG coordinator and senior secretary Lamia Morshed, who is responsible for coordinating election observers, said participation of nearly 400 international observers has already been confirmed and more countries are expected to send representatives.

More than 2,000 candidates from over 50 political parties are contesting in 300 constituencies in the upcoming election.