Australia to support free and fair elections in Bangladesh: Amir Khasru

Australia will extend its support to ensure free and fair national elections in Bangladesh, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said today (3 July).

"We talked about preparations for the upcoming polls. Australia has consistently supported the Election Commission [EC] in various capacities, and that support continues. They will play a role in helping to ensure a free and fair election in Bangladesh," Khasru said following a meeting with Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle.

Khasru added that the meeting, held at the BNP chairperson's political office in the capital's Gulshan at 4pm today (3 July), also touched on the importance of participatory elections.

Following the meeting, Khasru told reporters that the discussion covered a range of topics, including education, agriculture, and Australian investments in Bangladesh.

He said that issues faced by Bangladeshi nationals living in Australia were discussed, along with ways to resolve bilateral challenges between the two countries.

"It was discussed that in the past three or four elections, the people of Bangladesh were unable to exercise their voting rights freely. But now, there is anticipation and hope. We believe that voter turnout in the next election will be very high, with people from all walks of life eager to vote with enthusiasm," Khasru said.

Khasru further said the BNP has long been an advocate for reform.

"The BNP has always taken the initiative for reforms in Bangladesh, and this time is no different," he said.

The meeting was led by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Also present was BNP Organizing Secretary and member of the Chairperson's Advisory Committee on Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid.