Won’t make special requests for foreign observers: Momen

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen today said that Bangladesh would not make a special request seeking foreign observers, but it is ready to welcome any country's decision to send observers for the upcoming national polls.

"We have the confidence to hold free and fair elections. We have made a commitment to that end. If anyone wants to come and see, we will welcome them," he said at a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Momen said almost all countries are now having financial crises, and it is their decision whether they will send observers or not.

The foreign minister also said they want to see the elections free from violence, but it requires sincere efforts from all parties.

The government says the European Union's decision not to send a full-fledged election observation mission will have no impact on the election.

The Election Commission in Bangladesh is making preparations to hold the next election by the first week of January.

Meanwhile, from October 8 to 12, the six-member joint delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) met with a diverse group of election stakeholders, including government officials, political party leaders, election authorities, civil society, and others.

The pre-election assessment mission (PEAM), following the conclusion of its activities, will release a statement of its key findings, an analysis of the pre-election environment, and practical recommendations to enhance the credibility of the process and citizen confidence in the elections.