The Commonwealth and the European Union, along with several other international organizations, are sending large observer missions to monitor Bangladesh’s national election on February 12 and the constitutional reform referendum scheduled for July. According to information from Dhaka, the observer teams will be extensive in size. Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey announced in London that former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo will lead a 14-member Commonwealth observer group, supported by experts from multiple fields and a secretariat team headed by Linford Andrews.

The Commonwealth stated that its mission will assess whether the election and referendum are conducted credibly, transparently, and inclusively, reporting in accordance with Bangladesh’s laws and standards. The EU confirmed that around 200 observers from its 27 member states, along with representatives from Norway, Switzerland, and Canada, will join its Election Observation Mission led by Latvian MP Ivars Ijabs. The EU mission began operations on December 29 with an 11-member core team, followed by 56 long-term observers deployed nationwide and 90 short-term observers to join before election day.

Government coordinator Lamia Morshed said international confirmations are increasing daily, reflecting confidence in the interim government and the Election Commission to ensure a free and fair vote.