Bangladesh’s Election Commission has authorised more than 55,000 local observers to monitor the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the accompanying referendum, both scheduled to take place on 12 February, officials said on Monday.
According to the Commission, a total of 55,454 observers have been approved to oversee the polling process nationwide. Of these, 7,997 observers are affiliated with 81 election observation organisations that are centrally registered with the Election Commission, while the remaining 47,457 observers will operate at constituency level.
The information was confirmed in an official communication signed by Md Ruhul Amin Mallick, Director of Public Relations and Information Officer at the Election Commission Secretariat.
The Commission said only registered voters of the respective polling centres, along with authorised officials and accredited observers carrying Election Commission–approved identity cards, will be permitted to enter polling stations on election day.
All observers have been instructed to comply strictly with the Election Observation Guidelines 2025, which set out rules aimed at ensuring impartiality, non-interference and respect for voters’ rights.
To streamline accreditation, the Election Commission has launched a dedicated online portal to issue observer identity cards and vehicle stickers. Approved observers must submit their applications through the portal by 3 February, after which verified applicants will be able to download and print their credentials.
Centrally registered observers will collect their official materials from the Election Commission’s Public Relations Branch, while constituency-based observers will receive approval from returning officers or designated officials at district level. The Commission said login credentials have already been issued to returning officers to facilitate the process.
The Election Commission has also outlined a detailed code of conduct for observers. They must display their identification cards visibly at all times and ensure their presence does not obstruct polling officials or disrupt voting. Observers are permitted to remain briefly in designated areas of polling centres, but are strictly barred from entering secret voting rooms or handling any election materials.
Observers are required to maintain complete neutrality and must not display symbols, clothing or materials that could be interpreted as support for or opposition to any political party or candidate. They are also prohibited from accepting gifts or favours from political actors or making public comments during polling that could influence the electoral process.
The Commission said the deployment of a large number of accredited observers reflects its commitment to conducting the election in a transparent, credible and democratic manner, while ensuring that the voting process remains orderly and free from interference.
