Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has announced that international election observers and foreign media must submit applications by January 17, 2025, to monitor the country’s 13th National Parliamentary Election and accompanying referendum scheduled for February 12. The directive, signed by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, confirms that voting will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on election day.

The EC stated that it is committed to holding a free, fair, credible, and participatory election. To ensure transparency, all electoral processes will remain open to both domestic and international observers. The commission has invited observer organizations and foreign journalists from around the world to coordinate with local monitors under the International Observer and Foreign Media Policy 2025.

Officials emphasized that interested parties must comply with policy clauses 2.3 through 3.1 when applying. The EC’s Public Relations Director, Md. Ruhul Amin Mallik, has been designated as the contact point for inquiries. The move is seen as part of Bangladesh’s effort to enhance global confidence in its electoral process.