Election Commissioner (EC) Md Alamgir stated that the Election Commission (EC) cannot differentiate between genuine and fake international observers due to the absence of an office abroad.
He emphasized that it is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' responsibility to verify and issue visas to the observers after confirmation by election experts. EC Alamgir made these remarks while addressing journalists at the Election Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Several countries, including the United States and Japan, have sent election observers to Bangladesh at the invitation of an observer organization. They have engaged in meetings with various key government ministers, including representatives from the Election Commission. However, questions have arisen in the media regarding their experience and credibility as election observers.
Addressing this issue, EC Alamgir said: "No organization is invited by name. We are open for observers to come. Our expectation is for experienced individuals or organizations who have observed elections in different countries around the world to participate."
He added: "They will be able to monitor and analyze the election properly. If any observer lacks experience, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will scrutinize their credentials. While we provide time to discuss with us, we cannot ascertain the authenticity of the observers once the government issues visas to them."
When asked about pressure from diplomats of various countries regarding the election, he responded: "They talk to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and the commission to know about the election process, laws, etc. However, apart from that, they do not exert any other influence or pressure. There is no chance of feeling pressure."
Regarding the upcoming 12th National Assembly elections, he mentioned that the registration process for domestic observer organizations is ongoing. He clarified that any organization affiliated with politics will not be granted registration for this purpose.