India, France among 6 countries not sending observers to Bangladesh elections

Despite invitation from the Election Commission of Bangladesh (EC), six countries, including India, France and Australia, have not sent observers for the 13th parliamentary elections and referendum to be held on February 12.

Apart from this, an international organisation in South Asia is not sending observers to the Bangladesh elections.

Officials of the Election Commission of Bangladesh and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that India, France, Australia, Brazil, Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, and Romania were invited by the EC to observe the 13th parliamentary elections and referendum.

But so far, no positive response has been received from the countries concerned. Apart from this, no response has been received from the international organization Forum of the Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBOSA).

The officials said that on the invitation of the Election Commission of Bangladesh, about 60 guests from the election commissions and election-related organizations of different countries have come to Dhaka to observe the elections. They have been accommodated in a hotel in Dhaka under the government management.

The Election Commission Secretariat of Bangladesh said that 150 foreign journalists have arrived in Bangladesh for the referendum and the national elections.

Reporter: Salim Reza, Dhaka