UNDP hands over 30 computers to electoral training institute

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), continuing its long-standing support to the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC), handed over 30 desktop computers to the Electoral Training Institute (ETI) on 26 February 2026, aiming to strengthen electoral training and knowledge management in Bangladesh.

The handover, held at the BEC office in Dhaka, signals a shift in UNDP's engagement from election delivery support to strengthening post-election institutional resilience. It follows Bangladesh's 13th parliamentary elections, held on 12 February 2026. UNDP said the polls highlighted the BEC's operational leadership and professionalism. The elections were held peacefully, reflecting enhanced institutional capacities developed through sustained technical assistance under the Democratic Reforms through Inclusive Participation (DRIP) and BALLOT projects.

As Bangladesh enters the post-election phase, the focus is on consolidating gains, capturing lessons learned and preparing for upcoming local elections. In this effort, ETI serves as a central hub for building the capacity of the Bangladesh Election Commission.

UNDP said the equipment will help modernise ETI's training systems, enabling digital learning, simulation-based training and stronger data management to support continuous, institutionalised learning across the electoral cycle.

Md Anwarul Islam Sarker, election commissioner of Bangladesh, attended as chief guest and said, "Today's handover marks an important milestone in strengthening our post-election capacity. It shows that when national institutions and international partners work together with mutual respect and shared goals, meaningful progress is not only possible, but also sustainable."

Stefan Liller, resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh, attended as a special guest. He said, "UNDP stands ready to continue supporting the Bangladesh Election Commission, building on recent achievements to strengthen the institution and preparing for what comes next, including the upcoming local elections."

Mohammad Hasanuzzaman, director general of the Electoral Training Institute, chaired the ceremony. K M Ali Newaz, additional secretary at the Election Commission Secretariat; Sonali Dayaratne, deputy resident representative of UNDP; and Andres Castillo, chief technical adviser, UN electoral assistance, DRIP and BALLOT, were also present, along with other officials.

UNDP said the support is expected to enhance ETI's capacity to deliver standardised, scalable and digitally enabled training programmes, improving the preparedness and performance of election officials. It will also contribute to long-term institutional resilience by ensuring electoral knowledge and best practices are systematically documented and applied.

UNDP's electoral assistance in Bangladesh is supported by development partners, including the governments of Australia, Canada, Japan, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland, and the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

UNDP said the handover reaffirms its commitment to long-term democratic governance in Bangladesh, supporting institutions not only to deliver credible elections, but also to sustain and strengthen them over time.