Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called on the Election Commission (EC) to withdraw its decision to cover accommodation and meal expenses for foreign election observers. In a statement issued on Tuesday, TIB described the move as shortsighted, discriminatory, and a source of conflict of interest, arguing that it contradicts the principles of impartial and independent election observation and signals continued authoritarian tendencies in the electoral process.

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the EC’s justification that foreign observers’ presence would enhance the election’s credibility was weak and counterproductive. He questioned why similar support was not extended to domestic observers and warned that such benefits could make foreign observers appear biased or hired. He also expressed doubt about their ability to assess the election independently while being hosted by the EC.

Iftekharuzzaman further urged foreign observers to reject EC-funded hospitality, emphasizing that accepting such support could compromise their neutrality and ethical standards.