The Election Commission (EC) has given final registration to 66 domestic organizations to observe the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and other local polls for the next five years.
The approval came amid criticism over the credibility of many observer groups listed earlier. Another 16 organizations are still under review, with the EC allowing 15 working days to resolve claims and objections.
The EC confirmed the decision in a circular signed by its Director (Public Relations) Ruhul Amin Mallik, saying the registration was completed in line with the Election Observation Policy 2025.
Earlier, on September 28, the EC had published a draft list of 73 observer groups, which quickly drew controversy. Several entities on the list were found to be name-only organizations—some operating from private homes, abandoned offices, or makeshift locations.
Facing public criticism, the EC rechecked the list before finalizing the 66 qualified groups.
The approved groups include RISDA Bangladesh, Pathway, Pollisree NGO, Rashmi Human Development Organization (RHDO), Integrated Community Development Society (ICDS), Bakergonj Forum, Active Aid Welfare Organization, Sathi, Bokultoli Mohila Sangsad (BMS), Association of Muslim Welfare Agencies in Bangladesh (AMWAB), Hope, Odhikar, RPO Foundation, Usha, SDRS, Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), Sanghati, ADAB, Light House, Rupantar, Society for Bright Social Services, Abdul Momen Khan Memorial Foundation, GUK, Chand Manob Unnayan Sangstha, Bureau of Social Watch, Antaranga Samaj Kallyan Sangstha, Prottoy, MOSUS, BSERI, and Ashroy Foundation.
Others include WDC, Enlightened Social Welfare Organization, Bichoron Kallyan Sangstha, Impact Initiative, ASD, Seba Foundation, RAC Bangladesh, Democracywatch, Prottoy Social Foundation, VRDS, RSLEURPSA, ASEA, CDA, SCOPE, PASS, CARD, CRD, FARE, ASES, DPUP, Samahar, Multidisciplinary Research and Development Foundation, Biyan Moni Society, Garib Unnayan Sangstha, Shocheton Nagorik Society, DMUS, NSS, Brotee, MSK, Rural Vision, GESA, Moulik Odhikar Bastobayon Songstha, BB Achiya Foundation, DAWF, YISEA, Disha, and Muktir Bondhon Foundation.
The EC said the registered organizations must operate within the code of conduct and maintain strict neutrality while monitoring the polls.
