DHAKA, Dec 29, 2018 (BSS) – The Election Commission (EC) is set to lend all possible supports to foreign observers and journalists who came here to monitor the 11th parliamentary election, Secretary of Election Commission (EC) Secretariat Helal Uddin Ahmed said.
“We will give all possible supports to foreign observers and journalists for monitoring and covering the polls to be held tomorrow (Sunday),” he said this, while briefing foreign observers and journalists about the polls at Sonargaon Hotel in the city today.
He said the EC allowed 160 foreign observers and journalists for monitoring and presenting news on the national elections, while 25,900 local observers have been allowed along with journalists to cover the election in the country.
“We have taken all-out measures to hold the general election peacefully and all equipment including ballot papers and voter lists having photographs has been sent to polling centers,” he said, adding that a guideline was sent to them (foreign observers and journalists).
Helal Uddin said a total of 1,861 candidates are set to contest in 300 constituencies in the parliamentary election and 39 parties joined in the polls, adding, “A total of 6,08,000 polling stations have been set up across the country.”
During the briefing foreign secretary Md Shahidul Haque, Principal Information Officer Kamrun Nahar, additional secretary of EC Moklesur Rahman and officials concerned were present.
Replying to a query of Indian observer Kamal Phattacharya, foreign secretary said the foreign ministry has set up a coordination cell for international observers and journalists to provide relevant information on polls.
Earlier, a power point presentation was screened on EC, National Parliament, electoral activities and other related issues.
According to the PID media center information, Foreign missions based in Dhaka and accredited to observe the election include the USA, the UK, Greece, Ireland, Japan, France, Germany, Canada, Switzerland and Denmark.
It said some 56 foreign journalists and media personnel are also set to cover the election. A good number of them are already in Bangladesh while many others are on way to Dhaka, it added.