SM Akash : The Election Commission on Monday announced that 29 more local observers are eligible to get registration as local observers for observing the next general election.

These include two organisations — Election Monitoring Forum and SAARC Human Rights Foundation — who were earlier criticised for bringing in some inexperienced foreign nationals as observers in the last national elections.

The primarily selected organisations include the Development Organisation of the Rural Poor (DORP), Pratyasha Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, Society for Rural Basic Needs, SAARC Human Rights Foundation, Election Monitoring Forum, Rural Vision, Taraf Sartaj Shanti Sangha (TSS), Peoples Advancement Social Association, Pathway, Empowerment Through Law of the Common People (ELCOP), Jaago Foundation Trust, NICE Foundation, Women Development Organisation, Sufia Hanif Foundation, Social Advancement Community Organisation (SACO), Sober tore Amra Foundation and Bian Moni Society. Besides, Agragati Seba Sangstha, Al-Quran Prochar Sangstha Bangladesh, International ASAF Legal Aid Foundation, Association for Rural Development, Bangladesh Human Rights Coordinating Council (BAMASP), Rajarhat Self-Reliance Organisation, Sangati Samaj Kalyan Organisation, Innovative Women Organisation, Voluntary Organisation for the Needy, Dinajpur Palli Unnayan Prachestha, Self-Development Initiative (SDI) and BEDO Socio-Economic Centre were also primarily selected.

Among these organisations, both the SAARC Human Rights Foundation and the Election Monitoring Forum have a history marked by numerous controversies and irregularities. Mohammad Abed Ali holds positions within both entities, serving as the Secretary General of one and as the Chairman of the other

After hearing the objection, a decision will be taken regarding its acceptance or rejection. The decision of the commission in this regard will be considered final.