Staff Reporter :
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Tuesday called on all election observer groups to uphold the highest standards of neutrality and transparency as Bangladesh prepares for the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections.
“Those of you working at the field level must remain fully impartial,” he told representatives from 40 observation organisations during a dialogue at the Election Commission (EC) Bhaban in Agargaon.
“The Election Commission has only one objective—to deliver a fair and credible election to the nation. Upholding neutrality is our collective national responsibility, and we will carry out that duty with integrity.”
The CEC said the EC will operate its own comprehensive supervisory system but also wants to “view the election through the eyes” of independent observers.
He stressed that their reports must accurately reflect whether the election code of conduct is being maintained and whether the process is unfolding transparently.
“Your duty is to observe, not interfere,” he reminded. “The individuals you appoint must not influence any party’s campaign.
You must ensure this.” Nasir Uddin said the commission is committed to learning from past experiences and improving its electoral management. “We are pledged to the nation to hold a fair, credible and well-conducted election—something the EC cannot achieve alone.”
He highlighted the crucial role observers will play across all stages of the election—from monitoring campaigns to assessing polling centre management, evaluating the performance of presiding officers and security personnel, and reporting whether voters face any obstacles.
“If you identify shortcomings in our management, you should recommend improvements,” he added. “Your recommendations will guide our future reforms.”
The dialogue was attended by Election Commissioners Brig Gen (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah, Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmed, Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar, Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, and other senior EC officials.
Later, Election Commissioner Brig Gen (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah told the audience that the election schedule will be announced any day in the first half of December.
He made the remarks while inaugurating the second phase of the EC’s dialogue with representatives of 81 local observer organisations.
Sanaullah explained that observer organisations receive five-year registrations, allowing them to monitor one national election and at least four local government polls. They are required to submit three types of reports—preliminary, detailed, and biennial.
However, he expressed disappointment that the EC “has not benefitted much” from past observer reports, urging organisations to produce more meaningful and actionable assessments this time.
The EC’s consultations with observer groups come as preparations intensify for the national polls, expected to be announced within days.
