DHAKA, Jan 30, 2026 (BSS) - At least 16 countries have accepted Bangladesh's invitation to send a total of 57 election observers for the country's 13th general election and the referendum on the July Charter, both scheduled to be held concurrently on February 12. Among bilateral delegations, Malaysia will send the largest contingent with 14 observers, followed by Türkiye, which is dispatching 12 observers. Most notable observers from these countries include Mohammad Jalal Sikandar Sultan, chief election commissioner of Pakistan, and Deki Pema, chief election commissioner of Bhutan. "We have received confirmation of close to 400 election observers, so far, and we expect a few more countries to confirm the visits of their delegates very soon," said Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary and SDG coordinator, who is supporting the coordination of election observers. The European Union Election Observation Mission (EOM) will be led by Ivars Ijabs, chief observer and member of the European Parliament from Latvia.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 30, 2026 16:23 UTC