As Bangladesh readies itself for the 13th parliamentary election tomorrow, 12 February, the nation is witnessing an unprecedented international presence aimed at monitoring the democratic process. According to the Chief Advisor’s Press Wing, a total of 394 international observers and 197 foreign journalists have arrived to cover both the general election and the simultaneous national charter referendum.
The observer mission this year marks a significant escalation compared with previous elections. While the 12th parliamentary election in 2018 hosted 158 international observers, and the 11th in 2013 had 125, the 10th election in 2008 recorded only four observers. This surge reflects the growing global focus on Bangladesh’s electoral transparency and governance.
Among the current observers, 80 are affiliated with international organisations, 239 are bilateral country appointees, and 51 represent global institutions. Observers originate from 21 countries in addition to the European Union, with notable contributions from Pakistan (8), Sri Lanka (11), Turkey (13), Malaysia (6), Japan (4), Iran (3), Nigeria (4), and South Africa (2).
Major Observer Groups and Deployment
| Organisation / Country | Number of Observers |
|---|---|
| Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) | 28 |
| Commonwealth Secretariat | 27 |
| International Republican Institute (IRI) | 19 |
| National Democratic Institute (NDI) | 10 |
| OIC, ICAPP, European External Action Service | 15 |
| Other bilateral & national observers | 295 |
Senior Secretary and Observer Coordination Officer Lamia Morshed remarked, “The scale and diversity of observers from multiple countries and organisations demonstrate global confidence in Bangladesh’s interim government to conduct a free, fair, and participatory election.”
Prominent international figures participating include Ghana’s former President Nana Akufo-Addo, Bhutan’s Chief Election Commissioner Deky Pema, Turkey’s former Ambassador Mehmet Vakur Erkul, and Lord Richard Newby, the United Kingdom’s former Deputy Chief Whip in the House of Lords. In addition, senior representatives from Malaysia, Iran, and several other nations are present, underscoring the international significance of the event.
This election features over 2,000 candidates, representing more than 50 political parties, alongside a substantial contingent of independents. The simultaneous referendum on the national charter adds an extra layer of historical importance. With these elements combined, tomorrow’s vote represents a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s democratic trajectory, attracting both domestic and international attention.