Dhaka: BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today announced that the Commonwealth will send observers to oversee the upcoming national parliamentary election in Bangladesh. "There has been a discussion about sending observers during the election. They have decided to send observers for the election," he stated after meeting with the Commonwealth delegation at Hotel Serina in Banani this evening.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discussions covered the electoral process and various related matters. Khasru mentioned that the Commonwealth delegation was interested in understanding the election process, focusing on the return to democratic order and how impartially it is progressing. Other topics such as the law and order situation during the election were also addressed. Khasru emphasized the role of the Election Commission, stating that it will have the authority to make decisions on all election-related matters, which should be guided by the commission's opinions and decisions.
The meeting also touched upon the "July Charter," with Khasru noting that while there is support for the charter, any dissent or disagreements among parties will be documented on a website for public knowledge. He added that incoming parliamentary members with a mandate will implement areas of consensus, while any dissent will be addressed by the ruling party in its own manner.
The Commonwealth delegation was led by Linford Andrews, Adviser to the Commonwealth 'Electoral Support' Branch and Head of 'Pre-Election Assessment'. The meeting was attended by BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Chairperson's Advisory Council member Dr. Ziauddin Haidar, Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir, and Organizing Secretary Shama Obaed.