The final decision on approving foreign observers and foreign media will rest with the Election Commission (EC), not the government. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs will be responsible for verifying submitted information.
The EC has formalized this position through the “International Observers and Foreign Media Policy 2025.” According to EC Director of Public Relations Md Shariful Alam, the 2023 version of the policy has been repealed.
EC officials say the updated policy will prevent the government from renting foreign observers to legitimize elections. Under the previous guidelines, the government could approve its preferred observers or reject more credible ones, depending on its interests. That scope no longer exists under the new rules.
In past elections, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had denied visas to several observers. That option is now significantly restricted, as the EC's decision is final.
According to the policy, international observers must not show direct or indirect sympathy toward any political party or candidate. Once approved by the Commission, they may visit any polling station and enter voting rooms with permission from the presiding officer. They may also be present during vote counting. However, no observer may monitor an election without verification of their name, nationality, and photo by the Commission. If an observer fails to remain impartial or interferes in the electoral process, the returning officer or presiding officer may instruct them to leave the polling station or constituency. The Commission must be notified in such cases.
Observers must submit their reports to the Commission or the returning officer in accordance with the Representation of the People Order, the Code of Conduct, or other election-related laws.
The EC will issue a 30-day notice period inviting applications from foreign observers. To qualify as an individual or institutional observer, applicants must have experience in governance, elections, democracy, peacebuilding, or human rights.
Applicant organizations must be registered under the appropriate authority in their home country. The EC will not approve applications from anyone convicted under election laws or involved in fraud or dishonesty.
Applications must be accompanied by proof of experience, a CV, a valid passport copy, and a signed declaration as prescribed by the EC.
Organizations must submit a cover letter on official letterhead, signed by the head of the institution, listing the names and nationalities of their observers. If interpreters are required, details must be provided during the application process. Interpreters must also receive formal approval.
Foreign applicants may submit their applications by email or fax. Alternatively, they may submit them through their embassy in Bangladesh. Applications must be submitted within 30 days of the Commission’s announcement. If the Commission finds an applicant suitable, it will ask the Public Security Division to verify them. After screening, the EC will send a list of approved applicants to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa issuance. The ministry may not deny a visa without providing valid reasons to the Commission. The final decision will lie with the EC.
Upon approval, the EC Secretariat will provide observer ID cards and vehicle stickers. Observers can collect these from seven days before the election until the day before the vote, and must carry them at all times.
Responsibilities:
Foreign observers must submit their reports within 30 days of the election, via email or post. The report should cover the pre-election, election day, and post-election periods, with a focus on identifying irregularities and including recommendations. Reports must be objective, constructive, and meet the highest standards of accuracy. Only one observer from each organization may be present during vote counting. No observer may engage in unlawful or corrupt activities, or support or oppose any party or candidate. All rules that apply to domestic observers will also apply to foreign observers. They must not make any public statements that could influence or disrupt the election. Observers may enter any polling station at any time and stay as long as they wish—except inside voting rooms, where they may not stay long and must follow the presiding officer’s instructions.
Foreign media:
Foreign media organizations must also follow the same procedure as observers. They will receive J-category visas under the applicable laws and regulations of the Government of Bangladesh. The Ministry of Information will establish a modern media center to support their reporting activities. A help desk will be set up at the airport to distribute ID cards and vehicle stickers. While gathering news, foreign journalists must follow the domestic media policy. The Ministry of Home Affairs, returning officers, and superintendents of police will ensure their safety.
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