Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) has granted approval for 55,454 local observers to monitor the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the Referendum scheduled for February 12.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, among these observers, 7,997 are from 81 observation organizations that are centrally registered with the EC, while the remaining 47,457 are constituency-based observers who have received permission to observe the elections. This information was disclosed in a letter signed by EC Secretariat Director (Public Relations) and Information Officer Md Ruhul Amin Mallick.
The letter specifies that only voters of the respective polling centers and individuals carrying EC-approved identity cards will be permitted entry into the polling centers. Observers are required to adhere to the ‘Election Observation Guidelines 2025’ while conducting their duties.
To facilitate the process, the EC has launched a web portal (https://pr.ecs.gov.bd/) for issuing identity cards and car stickers to local observers. Approved observers must log into the portal and apply online for these items by February 3, after which they will need to download and print them once their applications are verified and approved.
Centrally-registered observers can collect their identity cards and car stickers from the EC Public Relations Branch. Meanwhile, returning officers or authorized officials across the country will handle the approval of online applications for constituency-based observers, with user IDs and passwords already issued for this purpose.
Observers are instructed to display their identification cards visibly while observing the election, respect voters’ rights, and avoid interfering with the election process. They are prohibited from entering secret voting rooms, touching election materials, or displaying any political affiliation. Additionally, observers must maintain impartiality, refrain from accepting gifts, and avoid making media comments that could influence the election process.