EU will send 7-member poll observer team

Diplomatic Correspondent  :
The European Union will send seven of its observers for the upcoming general election while the government of Bangladesh will bear their logistical support including accommodation during their work here.

The EU, however, has to bear the expenses of the delegation’s trip as Bangladesh government will not contribute here.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen came up with the remarks in the Foreign Ministry on Sunday during the curtain raiser ceremony on the occasion of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s trip to Brussels from October 25-26.

“The EU wanted to send a big team as observers, but they could not do it due to budgetary constraint. Many countries are facing budgetary issues at the moment. Now they will send a seven-member delegation,” he said.

“We have told them that we can manage seven. If they send we will provide only the logical support including accommodation. The EU has to bear the cost of their trip,” Momen said.

In reply to a question, the minister said, “We will not bring observers spending our money. If they come we will at least show hour hospitality.”

On October 19, the Election Commission said that the EU would dispatch a four-member observer team to oversee the 12th parliamentary elections.

The EU conveyed its decision to the foreign ministry and sent a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, which was confirmed by Election Commissioner Brig Gen (Retd) Ahsan Habib Khan.