He made the remarks while speaking to reporters in front of his office at Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Wednesday (December 17).
Akhtar Ahmed said an administrative agreement has been signed among the European Union, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Election Commission regarding election observation. Under the agreement, the EU will send an observer delegation to Bangladesh.
“We have so far been informed about the head of the delegation. He is Ivars Ījabs, a member of the European Parliament,” the EC secretary said. “Although the agreement was signed on the last working day, it was not made public as we were awaiting approval from Brussels. After receiving confirmation last night, we are informing you today.”
He added that the EC has been given an indication that around 175 to 200 observers may come, though the exact number and their detailed schedule will be announced later.
Under the tripartite agreement, the Election Commission will provide necessary administrative support to the observer team, particularly regarding their movement and travel within the country. However, the commission has requested that local security protocols be strictly followed in certain areas, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Akhtar Ahmed also said the observers will bring their own equipment and take it back after completing their work. According to the agreement, the EU observers will operate in line with Bangladesh’s national laws and international standards on election observation.
In addition to the EU, the EC has received proposals for election observation from Turkey and one or two other organizations, he said, adding that further details would be announced later.
