Dhaka, Aug 06 (V7N) – The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) has requested detailed information on magistrates who served during the 10th, 11th, and 12th national elections, citing ongoing investigations linked to a case filed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

In response, the Election Commission (EC) has issued an urgent directive to all district administrators and the divisional commissioners of Dhaka and Chittagong, instructing them to submit the required information without delay.

A letter signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain from the EC’s Election Management Branch was dispatched on Monday (August 4). The EC has been asked to provide the names, addresses, national ID numbers, passport details, and mobile numbers of magistrates who officiated in the three elections held under the previous Awami League government.

This move follows a previous PBI request for similar data regarding returning officers, presiding officers, assistant presiding officers, and polling officers who were involved in the same elections. The information is being gathered for a case filed at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station, which is reportedly tied to allegations of electoral misconduct.

EU Observation Team Expected

In a related development, a European Union (EU) pre-election observation mission is set to arrive in Dhaka on September 18. The team will monitor preparations ahead of the next national polls. Comprising seven members—three foreign and four local observers—the mission is expected to complete its work by October 7.

The developments come amid growing international and domestic scrutiny of Bangladesh’s electoral process, with stakeholders calling for greater transparency and accountability in the run-up to the next general election.

END/RH/AJ