Bangladesh has confirmed that 57 observers from 16 countries will monitor the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum. In addition to these bilateral observers, several hundred representatives from the European Union, Commonwealth, and international organizations working on democracy and human rights will also participate. Malaysia will send the largest delegation with 14 observers, followed by Turkey with 12. Malaysia’s team will be led by Election Commission Chairman Dato’ Sri Ramlan bin Dato Harun, while Turkey’s delegation will be headed by former Turkish ambassador to Bangladesh Mehmet Vakur Erkul.

Other confirmed countries include Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Jordan, Iran, Georgia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and South Africa. Notable participants include Pakistan’s Chief Election Commissioner Mohammad Jalal Sikandar Sultan and Bhutan’s Chief Election Commissioner Deki Pema. Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamia Morshed stated that around 400 observers have been confirmed so far, with more countries expected to join soon.

The Commonwealth team will be led by former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, while the EU mission will be headed by Latvian MEP Ivars Ijabs. Over 2,000 candidates from more than 50 political parties and independents are contesting 300 parliamentary seats.