Ahead of 13th National PollTurkish, COG, IRI election observer teams call on CA 

Three separate observer teams from Turkey, IRI and the Commonwealth have paid courtesy calls on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in the capital. 

These high-level meetings, held between Monday and Tuesday, focused on the upcoming13th National Parliament Election and the Referendum, which is scheduled to be held on Thursday (February 12). 

On Tuesday, February 10, a Turkish delegation met with the Chief Adviser at the state guest house Jamuna. Later, US-based International Republic Institute (IRI) also met with the chief adviser.

Prior to this, a delegation from the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) met with him on Monday.

During these meeting, the foreign delegations expressed their optimism on free and fair election in a peaceful manner.

The visits underscore the significant international interest and presence in monitoring the transparency and conduct of Bangladesh’s historic polls.

The Office of the Chief Adviser stated that these meetings were held as part of the government's commitment to ensuring an open and facilitative environment for international observers.

During Tuesday's meeting, the seven-member Turkish election observer team was led by the Chairman of the Turkey-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group, Mehmet Akif İlmaz.

This team, consisting of members of the Turkish Parliament, exchanged views with the Chief Adviser regarding Bangladesh's electoral preparations and overall environment.

Members of the delegation recalled the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries and expressed their expectation for a free and fair election.

The Chief Adviser welcomed the Turkish delegation and highlighted the importance of their presence in consolidating democracy in Bangladesh.

Additionally, a five-member delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI) met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

Former US Congressman David Dreier led the five-member delegation and discussed with the Chief Adviser regarding the election environment.

Earlier, on Monday, the 23-member Commonwealth Observer Group (COG), led by former President of Ghana H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, met with the Chief Adviser.

In the meeting, they discussed various technical and political aspects of Bangladesh's electoral process.

The Commonwealth delegation informed the government about the deployment of observers nationwide and the post-election evaluation methodology.

Professor Yunus assured the foreign observers that the government and the Election Commission are firmly committed to making the election meet international standards and reflect the aspirations of the people.

During the meetings, the observer teams also inquired about electoral laws, voter security, and the opportunities for political parties to campaign.

The Chief Adviser's Principal Coordinator for SDG Affairs, Lamia Morshed and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the time.

The Press Wing of the Chief Adviser stated that the discussions with both delegations were fruitful.

Meanwhile, several hundred international observers have already begun arriving in Bangladesh to participate in election observation, which relevant parties believe will enhance the acceptability and credibility of the election.