Dhaka, July 08 (V7N) — Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has announced that foreign observers who previously endorsed the last three national elections as free and fair will not be invited to monitor the upcoming parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.

He made this statement while speaking to reporters following a meeting with Canadian High Commissioner to Dhaka Ajit Singh at the Election Commission headquarters on Tuesday.

“We have taken note of which observer groups labeled previous elections as free and fair despite credible concerns. Such groups will not be allowed to observe the next elections,” the CEC said, without naming specific organizations.

He added that the election date has not yet been finalized, but assured that the public and relevant stakeholders would be informed at least two months in advance once a date is fixed.

The CEC also confirmed that the Election Commission has sought cooperation from Canada for the next national election. The discussion focused on multiple issues, including:

  • Encouraging voter turnout in remote areas

  • Boosting participation of women voters

  • Training election personnel, especially at the grassroots level

Earlier in the day, a two-member Canadian delegation, including High Commissioner Ajit Singh, visited the Election Commission office for talks with CEC Nasir Uddin and senior officials.

The Election Commission’s remarks come amid increased international scrutiny over electoral integrity in Bangladesh, following widespread criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups regarding past polls.

Observers and diplomats will be closely watching how the EC balances transparency, neutrality, and public confidence in the lead-up to the upcoming vote.

END/RH/AJ