Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed has said the European Union (EU) will deploy a large election observation mission to Bangladesh to monitor the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum.
He stated that EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller has informed the commission of plans to send between 175 and 200 election observers. However, the names and detailed identities of the observers have not yet been officially disclosed. So far, only one name— Ivars Ijabs —has been shared with the commission.
Akhtar Ahmed disclosed the information at a press briefing held at the Election Commission Secretariat on Wednesday.
He said security arrangements for the EU observers would be ensured in line with the bilateral agreement signed between the Election Commission and the European Union. However, in certain cases, local protocols will have to be followed, particularly in the Chattogram Hill Tracts region. The EU side has been informed accordingly.
The EC senior secretary also said that any observation-related equipment brought into the country by the EU observers under official declaration would either be taken back after the mission or handed over to the Election Commission. In addition, foreign observers will be required to comply with Bangladesh’s local guidelines for international election observation.
Responding to a question on why details of the agreement have not been made public, Akhtar Ahmed said the extent of its implementation would depend on approval from the EU headquarters. Once the approval is granted, the agreement will be fully executed.
When asked about the number of observer teams expected to arrive, he did not provide a specific figure but said that applications from two to three observer groups have been received so far.
Regarding a Home Ministry notification on the use of firearms by candidates, the EC senior secretary said all stakeholders are in agreement on ensuring security during the election. Avoiding comments on the Home Ministry’s decision, he noted that any necessary additions or amendments to the election code of conduct would be made by the Election Commission.
On security issues, he said appropriate measures would be taken if the possession of licensed firearms is deemed relevant. Security arrangements would be reviewed and implemented in phases based on necessity. He also added that the issue of depositing licensed firearms would be discussed within the Election Commission.
End:Saidul
