The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The Election Commission (EC) Sunday held hearing on objections against seven organizations prior to considering their enlistment as election observers.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr. ATM Shamsul Huda and commissioners M Sohul Hussain and Brig. Gen. (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain were present at the hearing that took place from 11am-1pm at the EC conference room.

The seven organizations of election observers are Bangladesh Center for Development Journalism and Communication (BCJDC), Democracy Watch, BRAVE, Jagarani Chakra Foundation, Khan Foundation, Light House and Srijani Bangladesh.

A total of 319 oraganisations earlier applied to the EC for enlistment as election observers. The EC initially selected 138 organisations after scrutinizing applications.

Of the 138 organisations, objections have been raised against 25 applicants by different political parties questioning their neutrality.

The EC will hold another hearing on Monday at 2:30 pm for 14 other organisations against whom objections have been raised.

Meanwhile, objections have been withdrawn against four organizations-Noakhali Rural Development Society, Shariatpur Development Society, Coast Trust and ANFREL.