The number of local and foreign election observers for the December 30 general election has decreased significantly compared to the 2008 and 2001 elections.
According to the Election Commission (EC) and foreign ministry, only 188 foreigners are going to observe the polls this time.
The number was 593 in 2008 and 225 in 2001. On the other hand, the EC has approved 25,920 out of 34,671 local observers from 81 organisations this time.
Surprisingly enough, many of them were yet to get approval from the NGO Bureau.
The number of local observers was 218,000 in 2001 and 159,000 in 2008 parliamentary polls.
According to foreign ministry, nine international agencies and groups and a dozen foreign missions in Bangladesh are set to observe Sunday's voting.
European Union, Commonwealth, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Forum of Election Commission Management of South Asia and International Republican Institute are fielding observers.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems, Democracy International, Dipendra Kandel Initiative and SAARC Human Rights Foundation are also sending observers to oversee the polls.
Foreign observers are coming from as far afield as Australia, Bhutan, Canada, India, the USA, Samoa, Malaysia, the Maldives, Nigeria, Nepal, Palestine, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
Foreign observers aside, 56 journalists and media personnel are also set to visit Bangladesh to cover the election.
They will be representing international media groups like BBC, Cable News Int. INC, Deutsche Welle, NHK, Yomiuri Shimbun, AFP, AP, Al-Jazeera, German TV, TV Today Network and New York Times.
Reporters from Le Monde, The Economist, Zee News, Kyodo News, Times of India, The Hindu, National Public Radio (USA), Strategic News, Frontline, The Week and others will also be here.
Foreign ministry in a statement issued on Thursday said an International Election Observers' Coordination Cell was established under the foreign ministry.
It includes representations from line ministries and departments, including home and information ministries.
"Another unit of the cell started operation at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel," the statement said.
"A help desk is already in operation at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to welcome and assist foreign observers/media personnel."
"Constant liaison is being maintained between units among relevant ministries, especially with the EC for smooth coordination required for foreign observers/media personnel," the statement added.
It is to be noted that the USA recently expressed its concern over Bangladesh's "failure" to provide visas to the election observers of the ANFREL.
The Asian Network for Free Election (ANFREL) said it was compelled to withdraw its mission due to the non-issuance of visa to its members in due time.
