MM Rahmatullah: 180 foreign observers from 35 countries have applied to the Election Commission to observe the 12th National Assembly elections of Bangladesh. Besides, 30 other officials from different countries will come to Bangladesh as election observers.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Seheli Sebrin gave this information at the weekly briefing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

The spokesperson said that about 180 foreign observers from a total of 35 countries have applied to Bangladesh Election Commission as election observers. Besides, about 30 officials from different countries will come to Bangladesh as election observers.

In response to a question regarding the allocation of expenses for foreign observers, Seheli Sabrin said that the issue of allocation by the Election Commission of Bangladesh to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the management of international observers is under process.

Journalists from Delhi have applied for Bangladesh visas through the Election Commission. They have not yet received accreditation. When drawing attention to this matter, the spokesperson said that on the occasion of the 12th National Parliament elections, journalists from various organizations have applied to the Election Commission. The Election Commission is scrutinizing the applications of foreign journalists through a specific process. Once that process is completed, the permit process will be started for those whose applications are accepted.

She said that the Election Commission of Bangladesh has already requested a number of journalists to send visa applications to their respective missions through e-mail.