The Election Commission (EC) has introduced stricter guidelines for foreign journalists and observers ahead of the 13th Parliamentary Election, requiring them to submit detailed personal and professional information.

Under the rules, applicants must submit the prescribed EC form with a valid passport, CV, recent photograph and 14 categories of personal and professional information.

These include name, date of birth, nationality, passport number and validity, organisation or country, profession, experience (domestic and international), local address in Bangladesh, email, phone number, date and signature.

EC officials said applications are now open, and several international observers have already shown interest.  Groups, such as the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the European Union, have expressed their intention to monitor the polls. The new guidelines place sole authority for approving foreign observers and journalists with the EC.

Previously, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had to grant clearance before arrangements could be made. Now, the ministry will issue visas based on the EC’s recommendations. Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal has indicated that if the 13th Parliamentary Election is held in early February, the official schedule will likely be announced in the first half of December.