The European Union (EU) will deploy between 175 and 200 election observers to monitor Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary elections, Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said on Wednesday.

According to a BSS report, Akhtar Ahmed disclosed the information while briefing reporters at the Election Commission headquarters in Dhaka. He said a tripartite agreement had been signed between the Election Commission, the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate the deployment of the EU observation mission.

Under the agreement, the Election Commission will provide logistical support to the observers, including facilitation of movement and travel during the election period, the EC secretary said.

He added that the commission had requested EU observers to strictly comply with local protocols in certain sensitive areas, particularly in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Akhtar Ahmed also said the EU observers would bring some equipment and accessories into the country and would take those back upon departure, for which they may submit declarations at the time of arrival.

The EC senior secretary further noted that necessary administrative arrangements had already been finalized among the European Union, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Election Commission, paving the way for the EU to send its observer delegation.

Replying to questions regarding firearm licenses for candidates’ security, Akhtar Ahmed said the issue had gained importance following recent instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs concerning security arrangements, including the provision of arms where deemed necessary.

He clarified that the Election Commission did not see any immediate conflict between such security measures and the existing election code of conduct.

The EC secretary also indicated that adjustments to the election code of conduct could be made, if required, during the election period to address emerging situations.

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