Foreign envoys express hope for free, fair, peaceful polls in Bangladesh
British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, European Union Ambassador Michael Miller, Swedish Ambassador Niclas Kvarnström, Norwegian Ambassador Haakon Harald Gulbrandsen, and UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller attended the meeting
Foreign envoys today (24 September) expressed the hope that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh would be held in a free, fair and peaceful manner, pledging to continue their support to the Election Commission (EC) in ensuring credible polls.
They express the hope during a discussion meeting on the upcoming parliamentary polls and the challenges surrounding them with Bangladesh Election Commission officials at the Barishal Regional Election Office.
British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, European Union Ambassador Michael Miller, Swedish Ambassador Niclas Kvarnström, Norwegian Ambassador Haakon Harald Gulbrandsen, and UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller attended the meeting.
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Following the exchange of views, the envoys visited different activities of the regional election office.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, EC Additional Secretary K.M. Ali Newaz said the diplomats had expressed optimism that Bangladesh's democratic process would move forward with a peaceful election.
"The ambassadors assured us that they will remain engaged with the EC and work alongside us in our efforts to hold a fair election," Ali Newaz told journalists.
He informed that a tentative month has already been fixed for the 13th national election and preparations are underway accordingly.
"We have kept the election open and transparent for all, both at home and abroad. The Commission is determined to deliver a credible election," he added.
During the discussions, the envoys sought details about the EC's preparations, challenges, and measures to boost voter participation, particularly that of women. The Additional Secretary said the Commission assured them of its commitment to ensuring wider inclusion.
The diplomats also inquired about differences between the upcoming election and the previous one in 2024. "We explained the reforms and legal adjustments that have been undertaken as needed. They asked us many questions and we provided detailed responses, which they seemed satisfied with," Ali Newaz said.
He concluded by noting that the envoys reiterated their expectation that the election would be peaceful and credible, and assured that they would stand beside the Election Commission in its ongoing journey of strengthening the democratic process.
