Bangladesh Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah has expressed optimism that a record number of international observers will attend the country’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Speaking at a workshop organized by the Asian Network for Free Elections in Dhaka’s Gulshan area, he described the election as a new chapter in Bangladesh’s democratic journey. Sanaullah said that foreign observers typically attend participatory elections and that applications will be processed through embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also mentioned that over 300 applications have been received from local organizations, with around 80 approved to act as observers—significantly more than in previous elections. The minimum age for observers has been lowered from 24 to 21 to encourage youth participation, accompanied by training programs. Sanaullah further noted that the misuse of AI and the spread of misinformation on social media pose major challenges to ensuring a free and fair election, but expressed confidence that cooperation among all stakeholders can overcome these issues.