ZCZC
BSS-17
CITY-POLLS-OBSERVERS
74 foreign observers to monitor Dhaka city polls
DHAKA, Jan 31, 2020 (BSS) – As many as 74 international observers will
monitor the elections to Dhaka north and south city corporations slated to be
held tomorrow (February 1).
“The Election Commission has already directed the Senior Secretary of
Public Security Division under the Home Ministry to ensure safety for the
foreign observers,” Election Commission Secretariat Director Md Israil
Hossain told BSS today.
Among the foreign observers- 27 are from the US, 12 from the UK, five from
the European Union, six from the Netherlands, six from Switzerland, five from
Japan, three from Denmark, four from Norway, two from Australia and four from
Canada. Besides, the Election Commission approved a total of 1,013 local
observers from 22 organizations to monitor the city polls.
Local organizations that were granted permission to observe the city polls
include – Jatiya Nirbachon Parjobekkhon Parishad , SAARC Human Rights
Foundation, Forum for Development Association, Somaj Unnoyan Proyash,
Bangladesh Manobadhikar Shomonnoy Parishad, Youth for Human Rights
International Foundation, Association for Social Development of Bangladesh
and Institute for Environment and Development and COAST Trust, Peace and
Development Organization, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).
Electronic voting machines (EVMs) will be used exclusively in tomorrow’s
city corporation elections.
BSS/MSH/TIT/ARS/1623 hrs