The Election Commission (EC) has approved 55,454 domestic observers from 81 registered organisations to monitor the 13th parliamentary election, sparking political controversy as more than half – 28,063 – come from just 10 organisations.
BNP has alleged that a disproportionate number of observers were drawn from a small group of organisations, many of them unfamiliar. The EC, however, says approvals were based solely on applications submitted by registered organisations, arguing that those seeking higher numbers received more approvals.
According to commission data, the People’s Association for Social Advancement (PASA) received the highest number of approvals, with 10,559 observers.
Community Assistance for Rural Development (CARD) was approved for 3,861 observers, followed by Biyan Money Society with 2,697 and Songoti Samaj Kallyan Sangstha with 2,604.
RISDA Bangladesh received approval for 1,645 observers, Bibi Aasia Foundation for 1,635 and Impact Initiative for 1,535.
Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) was approved for 1,185 observers, Grameen Economic and Social Advancement (GESA) for 1,179, Rashmi Human Development Organisation (RHDO) for 1,163, and Charu Development Association (CDA) for 1,146.
Others include Bicharan Kallyan Sangstha with 1,067 observers, Garib Unnayan Sangstha with 1,078, Bakerganj Forum with 1,050, Active Aid Welfare Organisation with 1,035, Association for Socio-Economic Advancement (ASEA) with 1,003, and Society for Bright Social Services with 985. The remaining 64 organisations together received approval for 27,391 observers.
BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said after a recent meeting with chief election commissioner (CEC) that most of the more than 55,000 approved observers came from a handful of organisations.
Questioning the criteria used, he urged that only capable and qualified individuals be assigned such roles.
EC Public Relations Director Ruhul Amin Mollik said approvals were granted among registered organisations in line with the number of observers they applied for, adding that the Commission would take action if complaints were received against any organisation.
Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud told TIMES of Bangladesh that no observer had been approved based on political affiliation, saying decisions were made using the Commission’s judgement and discretion.
He acknowledged that one organisation had received approval for around 10,000 observers despite operating from the owner’s residence.
Masud maintained that there was no bias in the approval process but said the Commission no longer had sufficient time to conduct fresh verification or make changes.
Asked whether suspension remained an option, he said the issue had already been discussed and that further deliberations would determine the final decision.
