Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has made it clear that foreign observers who called the results of the past three national elections “valid’ will no longer be invited to the next national election.
He made this statement to reporters after a meeting with Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh at the Election Building in the capital’s Agargaon on Tuesday (July 8).

The CEC said that during the meeting, the Canadian High Commissioner asked about Bangladesh’s preparations for the upcoming national elections. The commission highlighted the overall preparations for the electoral process, including voter awareness activities and training.

“Canada wants the elections to be free, fair and acceptable — that is their expectation. We have told them that the current commission is working towards that goal,” he added.

Regarding the discussion on the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), the CEC said that Canada will provide necessary advice to the commission on this issue. At the same time, it has expressed interest in cooperating in other areas, including the ballot project.

Regarding future election monitoring, he said that many countries, including the European Union (EU), have already written to us saying they want to send observers. However, foreign observers who have given “good” certificates in the past three elections, ignoring questionable circumstances, will no longer be allowed to observe.

CEC Nasir Uddin said that the Election Commission is committed to an acceptable election and that the support of international partners is also being seriously considered for this purpose.