FE REPORT
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), on Tuesday, called for the revocation of the Election Commission's (EC) 'imprudent' decision to bear accommodation and meal costs of the foreign observers during the upcoming election.
TIB said, "The Election Commission's decision to bear the accommodation and meal expenses of the foreign election observers - while continuing authoritarian practices that are destructive to Bangladesh's electoral system - is imprudent, discriminatory, and contrary to impartial observation due to conflicts of interest".
Referring to media reports, TIB Executive Director (ED) Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, in a statement, said, "On the flimsy pretext that vocal presence of the foreign observers will enhance the acceptability of the election at national and international levels, the EC's imprudent decision to bear their accommodation and meal costs is bound to be counterproductive."
"Moreover, we are astonished that the EC could not realise that this decision is discriminatory. If it bears the accommodation and meal costs of foreign observers, why would the same arrangement not be applied to domestic observers as well?"
He opined, "Furthermore, if the decision is implemented; on the one hand, those receiving such facilities will face the risk of being perceived as hired agents; on the other hand, serious doubts remain as to whether they will be able to evaluate the election independently and impartially, free from conflicts of interest, while enjoying the EC's hospitality."
"It must be remembered that the observers also assess the role of the EC itself. The question will therefore remain as to how neutrally they can carry out this task while under its own hospitality."
The TIB ED noted that now there is no need to waste state funds in order to present the election as credible; whereas it was deemed necessary to provide facilities to foreigners during the elections in 2018 and 2024.
"Following the July Uprising, the people's strong expectation for a free, fair, and acceptable election has emerged. We hope that the current EC will engage in self-reflection and refrain from taking any steps that could create controversy around the election. We trust that the EC will not fail to recognise the reality," he added.
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