For the upcoming twelfth national parliamentary elections, 3,896 observers will undertake the responsibility of monitoring the election.
On December 21, 2023, a press conference titled “Meet the Press” was conducted at the Reporters Unity, Sagar Runi Milanayatan, Dhaka at 11 am, addressing the monitoring activities for the forthcoming twelfth National Parliament election—an initiative led by the “Election Observer Alliance.”
Human Rights Voice instructor and Election Observer Alliance Chairman, Mr. Iqbal Hossain, along with the advisor of Social Development Initiatives and Election Observer Alliance Executive Director, Jahanara Faruk Mouli, were featured speakers at the conference.
You can also Watch: Meet the Press with Election Observer Alliance
Other distinguished participants included Ainun Nahar, President of Social Development Initiatives; Mr. Nurul Amin, Executive Head of Human Rights Voice; Mr. Raj, Director of Hafezji Charitable Society; Pauline Bihari Das, Director of Nari Unnayan Sangstha; Monira Begum, Executive Head of Safer Bangladesh Foundation; Nazneen Islam, Chairman of BIAN Money Society; Jamal Hossain, Executive Director of Advancement Service Organization (ASES); Abdul Matin, Secretary General of Al-Quran Preaching Organization (AKPAS); Sharifa Begum, Editor-in-Chief of Rajarhat Self-Reliant Organization; S. M. Amanul Hossain Tamim, Executive Director of Press Information Center (PIC); and Shamima Sultana, Executive Head of Keraniganj Human Research and Development Society.
Jahanara Faruk Mouli, the Executive Director of the Election Observer Alliance, led the program.
Highlights of the conference
The press conference aimed to inform the media about the formal activities of the “Election Observer Alliance,” registered as a watchdog organization by the Election Commission of Bangladesh, consisting of 11 organizations. It highlighted the goal and objective of the Election Observation Alliance; which is to prepare an impartial report through comprehensive monitoring of the overall situation of the upcoming twelfth national parliamentary elections and present it to the nation. It will actively engage in activities to promote the participation of every citizen as part of their efforts to establish democracy and voting rights. They believe that presenting an accurate picture of the election before the nation by domestic and international journalists, local and foreign observers, in an unbiased manner will enhance the credibility and impartiality of the election in the eyes of the general public.
For the upcoming twelfth national parliamentary elections, 3,896 observers will undertake the responsibility of monitoring the election. The impact of not participating in the elections by major political parties has negatively affected the confidence and trust of the general voters.
The Significance of Election Commission’s Role in Upcoming Polls
In various regions of the country, there are multiple voting centers where voters are not eager to cast their votes. In such cases, the Election Commission needs to ensure the security and integrity of the voting center environment, provide security during the presence of representatives of all candidates, take prompt action against any hindrance in the campaigns of the candidates, and assist local observers in their monitoring duties.
It is essential for the Election Commission to play a significant role in matters such as online voting, identifying the ballot box and paper, preventing obstacles in coming to the center and casting votes, and addressing illegal financial transactions before the election.
The conference wrapped up with sincere appreciation extended to all journalists who attended the event.
