57 International Observers from 16 Nations Set for Bangladesh Election

The Chronify

January 31, 2026

At least 16 countries have confirmed sending 57 observers to monitor Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th general election and the July Charter referendum on February 12. These delegates will join a massive international contingent of nearly 400 observers, including high-level missions from the EU and the Commonwealth.

Bangladesh is preparing for a heavily monitored electoral process as 16 nations and multiple global organizations confirm their participation in the February 12 polls. Malaysia will lead the bilateral delegations with 14 members, followed by Türkiye with 12. Notable international figures, including Malaysia's Election Commission Chairman Dato Sri Ramlan Bin Dato Harun and former Turkish Ambassador Mehmet Vakur Erkul, are set to lead their respective teams.

The observation effort features a diverse range of participants from across the globe:

Large Delegations: Malaysia (14), Türkiye (12), Indonesia (5), and Japan (4).
Regional Partners: Pakistan (3), Bhutan (2), Maldives (2), Sri Lanka (1), and the Philippines (2).
Global Representation: Russia, South Africa, Iran, Jordan, and several Central Asian nations.

This group will merge with broader missions from the European Union and the Commonwealth. The EU mission, led by MEP Ivars Ijabs, includes several European parliamentarians, while former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo will head the 14-member Commonwealth Observer Group. Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed confirmed that the total number of confirmed international observers has already reached nearly 400.

The 13th general election is a massive undertaking, with nearly 2,000 candidates from over 50 political parties competing for 300 parliamentary seats. Uniquely, this vote will be held concurrently with a national referendum on the "July Charter" reform, making the presence of international oversight a critical component of the process.