EC halts PASA observer cards, says probe into NGO’s capacity continues

Election Commission suspends distribution of over 10,000 observer cards to NGO PASA amid questions over its capacity, an official says

The Election Commission has suspended its decision to distribute more than 10,000 observer cards to a local NGO named People’s Association for Social Advancement (PASA).

Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar said on Saturday the decision came after reports raised questions about the NGO’s capacity.

The Prothom Alo on Friday reported that PASA is a “name-only” organisation run by a single individual Sayed Humayun Kabir, who “operates it from a room in his own home”.

Speaking after a high level meeting on election preparations at the State Guest House Jamuna, Abul Kalam said: “The EC secretary informed today’s meeting that PASA claimed it would deploy 10,000 election observers. After seeing media reports, the commission looked into the matter.

“To confirm their capacity, distribution of observer cards has been suspended.”

He added: “So far, no political affiliation of the NGO has been found. But the inquiry is still ongoing.”