Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin directed local election observer organisations not to appoint anyone with political links to monitor the upcoming national election.
"Do not appoint those who have any political affiliations, links to parties, or involvement in rallies or meetings. They must not participate in party campaigns, nor influence voters by suggesting which symbol to vote for," he said while making his opening remarks at talks with local election observers.
The Election Commission sat with 81 organisations at its office as part of a dialogue ahead of the upcoming 13th parliamentary election.
As the country prepares for voting, the CEC reiterated that journalists and observers act as the "CCTV cameras" of the Election Commission, ensuring accountability and transparency throughout the process.
"Their role is to observe, not to intervene," the CEC added.
He also instructed the organisations to provide proper training on election laws, rules, regulations, and other relevant issues to field workers, who will monitor the polls on the ground.
Observers will be tasked with monitoring every stage of the election -- from campaign activities to polling day management, ballot box handling, and vote counting. Their reports must reflect real ground realities, highlighting whether officers, police, and returning officials are performing their duties according to law, he said.
The CEC further noted that observers should not attempt to intervene in irregularities but must document and report them accurately. Recommendations from observers will play a crucial role in identifying management gaps and procedural lapses, helping to shape future reforms.
"Our single agenda is to deliver a credible, fair, and transparent election to the nation," he said.