Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has criticized the Election Commission’s (EC) decision to cover accommodation and meal costs for foreign election observers, saying the move is imprudent, discriminatory, and raises conflicts of interest.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, referring to media reports, said in a statement on Tuesday that the EC’s move “on the flimsy pretext that the vocal presence of foreign observers will enhance the acceptability of the election at national and international levels” is counterproductive.
Iftekharuzzaman said: “We are astonished that the Election Commission could not realize that this decision is discriminatory. If the Commission can bear the accommodation and meal costs of foreign observers, why would the same arrangement not apply to domestic observers as well? How will the Election Commission answer this question?”
He added: “Those receiving such facilities risk being perceived as hired agents. Serious doubts remain as to whether they can evaluate the election independently and impartially while enjoying the hospitality of the Election Commission. Observers also assess the role of the Election Commission itself, raising questions about their neutrality.”
The TIB ED also questioned the foreign observers directly: “On what grounds would they accept responsibilities financed by the Election Commission or the Government of Bangladesh? Will accepting such hospitality allow them to conduct an objective, unbiased, and conflict-free assessment of the EC and the election process?”
Highlighting past practice, he noted that before 2008, state funds were not spent to make elections appear credible, whereas in 2018 and 2024, foreign observers were provided facilities. He said the Election Commission must engage in self-reflection, considering the outcomes of previous efforts to ensure election credibility.
He also referred to the July mass uprising, saying that public expectations for a free, fair, and acceptable election have emerged, and urged the EC to avoid any steps that could generate controversy.
