Foreign observers visiting polling centres during the 13th National Parliament election and the concurrent referendum have reported witnessing enthusiastic participation and a generally positive atmosphere across the capital.
On Thursday, 12 February, after touring several centres in Dhaka, the observers shared their impressions with journalists, highlighting both the smooth conduct of voting and the high level of civic engagement.
At the Vicarunnessa Noon School and College polling station in the morning, the Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group and former President of Ghana, H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, remarked, “Our observation indicates that the voting process is proceeding smoothly.” A 23-member Commonwealth delegation was present at the centre from 7:00 am, monitoring the overall election procedures.
Throughout the day, the delegation visited additional centres in Dhaka to assess voter turnout and electoral arrangements.
Around midday, the European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission Head, Evert Izaks, visited the Curzon Hall polling station at Dhaka University. He noted, “There is a visible enthusiasm for voting among the country’s citizens. The EU anticipates that this election will be participatory and credible.” Izaks added that positive voter engagement was evident at multiple centres, and the EU plans to release a preliminary report on 14 February, providing a comprehensive overview of the election process.
Meanwhile, Japanese observers touring various Dhaka polling centres remarked on the festive atmosphere. One observer commented, “Bangladeshi citizens have a celebratory spirit; voting for them is almost like a festival.”
At the Gulshan Model High School and College centre, Congressman and observer from the International Republican Institute (IRI), David Breyer, highlighted the impact of younger voters. He stated, “The involvement of new and young voters has been significant, bringing fresh energy and adding a new dimension to this election.”
The overall feedback from international observers underscores a combination of orderly procedures, enthusiastic participation, and vibrant voter engagement, signalling a robust electoral process.
Summary of Observers’ Key Findings
| Observer Group | Location Visited | Key Observations |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Observer Group | Vicarunnessa Noon School & College | Voting process smooth, positive engagement |
| European Union (EU) Mission | Curzon Hall, Dhaka University | High voter enthusiasm, election expected to be credible |
| Japanese Observation Team | Multiple Dhaka Centres | Festive atmosphere, celebratory voter spirit |
| International Republican Institute (IRI) | Gulshan Model High School & College | Strong participation of young voters, added electoral vitality |
The combined assessment from these foreign missions suggests that the 13th National Parliament election is being conducted in a transparent and participatory manner, with citizens demonstrating both civic responsibility and a celebratory spirit.