Bangladesh, Oct. 1 -- When the Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh published its initial list of 73 organizations on September 28, 2025, for registration as election observers, the move was intended to signal transparency and openness. Instead, the publication has opened a Pandoras box of questions, exposing the credibility gap that continues to haunt Bangladeshs electoral system. What was supposed to be a process to ensure fairness in the upcoming elections has revealed weaknesses in vetting, questionable political affiliations, and even dormant or fraudulent organizations attempting to masquerade as legitimate watchdogs.

One case that illustrates the problem clearly is Agrajatra Samaj Unnayan Sangstha, listed at number 29 in the ECs...