180 foreign observers applied to EC to oversee polls: MoFA

Around 180 foreign observers from 35 countries have applied to the Election Commission (EC) to observe the next national election scheduled for 7 January.

Talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Thursday, spokesperson Seheli Sabrin said their applications are being scrutinised.

Meanwhile, around 30 officials from various countries will come and observe the polls, she said.

Sabrin said journalists from international media outlets have also applied to the Election Commission to cover the polls.

"The Election Commission is scrutinising through their due process. Once the process is done, their accreditation process will start." 

Some of the journalists have been informed through email that they can apply for visas now, Sabrin said, adding that a media cell is also working to that end.

She said issues related to the budget for managing the international observers are under consideration.

Earlier, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said they want to see a "free, fair, non-violent and transparent" election and achieve the goal of building a "Smart Bangladesh" ensuring peace and stability.

"We want all from the entire world to come and see, and learn from us," he said while talking to journalists after a meeting with a team of European Union (EU) experts at his residence on Wednesday night.