Bangladesh invites India as election observer for February 2026 poll; New Delhi yet to confirm | World News

Bangladesh has invited India to join an international group of election observers for the upcoming general elections and referendum, but India is yet to confirm participation.

According to a recent statement from Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Press Wing, other pending invitees include Nepal, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, France, Kuwait, Morocco, Nigeria and Romania.

“We expect the number of international observers/countries to increase, as many countries invited to send observer missions have not yet confirmed the names of their delegates,” said Lamiya Murshed, SDG Coordinator and international observer coordination officer. he said. This is consistent with previous reports from 330 approved observers.

Bangladesh Declaration: pic.twitter.com/I8KCqZj7Je— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 1, 2026

Confirmed observers include delegates from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the European Union, as well as delegations from 16 countries (Malaysia (14) and Turkey (12) for a total of 57 observers).

Nearly 2,000 candidates from more than 50 parties are competing for 300 seats in the Bangladesh elections scheduled for February 12, 2026. The invitation aims to provide greater transparency compared to the 2024 polls.​

The election will be the first after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following protests and clashes in July 2024.

Hasina fled to India in August 2024 amid deadly protests that ended her 15-year rule, sparking the interim rule of Mohammed Younis. Hasina’s Awami League is facing a poll ban, raising geopolitical risks as Dhaka seeks broad observer support.

The unrest in Bangladesh has resulted in a sharp increase in persecution of minorities and attacks in the regions, prompting global condemnation. Hindus, Christians and others are reporting “structural” violence, raising fears ahead of polls and complicating India’s potential role.

With 330 observers confirmed and more expected, the transparency of the vote will test regional dynamics and potentially reshape South Asia if India joins the monitoring.