(BSS) – Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Akhter Ahmed has said nearly 500 foreign observers and journalists are expected to come to Bangladesh to observe the 13th National Parliament Election and the referendum scheduled for February 12.

“We expect nearly 500 foreign observers and journalists will arrive here to oversee the election,” he said at a press briefing held at Nirbachan Commission Bhaban in Agargaon on Thursday.

Akhter Ahmed said the EC has invited 83 observers from different international organizations, of whom 36 have so far confirmed their participation, while five organizations have declined the invitation.

“Confirmation from some organizations is still pending,” he added.

He said a total of 78 foreign observers and 50 foreign journalists have already expressed interest in coming to Bangladesh to oversee the election.

The EC senior secretary said a help desk will be set up at the airport for foreign observers, while they will stay mainly at Hotel InterContinental, where a help desk and a media cell will also be opened.

“The Election Commission will coordinate their activities at different points,” he said.

Akhter Ahmed said currently 56 representatives from the European Union are staying in the capital, adding that the number is expected to rise to nearly 300 in phases.

“We invited two observers from the Commonwealth Secretariat, but around 10 members are likely to come,” he said.

He also said although two observers were invited from Turkey, the number could increase to nine.

Akhter Ahmed said arrangements will be made for visa-on-arrival facilities for observers and journalists coming from countries where Bangladesh does not have visa facilities or diplomatic missions.