A total of 330 international observers have been confirmed to monitor Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum on the July national charter, scheduled for February 12. The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing announced the figure on Saturday, noting that six international organizations, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), will send at least 63 observers. Additionally, the European Union, 16 countries, and 32 individual observers affiliated with various international organizations will participate.

The number of international observers this year is more than double that of the disputed January 7, 2024 election, which saw significantly fewer monitors. Previous elections hosted 158, 125, and only four international observers in the 12th, 11th, and 10th elections respectively. The OIC delegation will be led by Shakir Mahmud Bandar, head of the organization’s election observation unit. Other groups include ANFREL with 28 observers, the Commonwealth Secretariat with 25, IRI with seven, and NDI with one.

Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamia Morshed said the number may rise as several invited countries, including India, Nepal, Australia, and France, have yet to confirm their delegates.