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Bangladesh's Crucial Elections: Yunus Meets Observers Amid Historic Shift

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus met with multiple international election observation delegations in Dhaka ahead of Bangladesh's national elections. The polls, scheduled for February 12, occur nearly two years after the 2024 July Uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The electoral landscape is significantly shifted with the Awami League banned, making the outcome challenging to predict. Hundreds of international observers and journalists have arrived to monitor this pivotal moment in the country's history.

Key Points: Bangladesh Election Observers Meet Chief Adviser Yunus

  • Key election observers met with Chief Adviser
  • Polls follow 2024 July Uprising
  • Awami League banned from participating
  • Over 390 international observers present
2 min read

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser meets election observation delegations ahead of national elections

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus meets international election observers ahead of Bangladesh's pivotal national polls on February 12.

"The election is a pivotal moment in the country's history - Report"

Dhaka, February 11

Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, met with multiple election observation delegations as the country gears for the 13th national elections, scheduled for February 12, nearly two years after the 2024 July Uprising.

The election observation delegation included the International Republican Institute (IRI), the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the Voice for Justice Observers.

In a series of posts on X, Yunus stated that the five-member delegation from the IRI, led by former US Congressman David Dreirer met with the Chief Adviser on Tuesday at the State Guest House Jamuna.

On Wednesday, a seven-member ANFREL delegation, led by Chairperson Rohana Hettiarachchi, met with Yunus at the same venue.

Later the same day, a four-member team from the Voice for Justice Observers, led by Convenor of the Voice for Justice World Forum and Consultant to the UK Ministry of Education, Hasanat M Husain, also called on the Chief Adviser.

Bangladesh's Principal Coordinator for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Lamiya Morshed, along with other senior officials from the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was also present at the meetings.

The election is a pivotal moment in the country's history, with the Awami League banned from participating and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat, which is leading an alliance with the National Citizen Party (NCP), along with other parties on a seat-sharing basis, as the main players.

The electoral landscape has also shifted significantly, making it challenging to predict the outcome.

The February 12 National Polls come almost two years after the July Uprising in 2024, which led to the ousting of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Constitutional Referendum, the July National Charter, is also scheduled for the same day.

According to the Chief Adviser's Press Wing, a total of 394 international election observers and 197 foreign journalists have arrived in the country to observe the 13th general election.

A total of 240 observers are from bilateral countries, including independent European observers. Another 51 are individuals affiliated with different global institutions.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The presence of so many observers is reassuring, but the real test is whether their recommendations are heeded. The exclusion of major parties like Awami League makes the political landscape very complex. Wishing our Bangladeshi brothers and sisters a smooth democratic transition.
A
Aman W
Interesting to see Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate, in this role. His international credibility might help. Stability in Bangladesh is directly linked to security in our North-East. A lot is at stake for India as well.
S
Sarah B
Holding elections and a constitutional referendum on the same day is a huge logistical and political challenge. Hope it doesn't lead to confusion. The international community is watching closely.
K
Karthik V
With nearly 400 international observers, there should be no room for doubt about the process. However, I respectfully question if observation delegations led by foreign former politicians can ever be completely neutral. Their home countries often have strategic interests.
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Nisha Z
The July Uprising was a significant event. Elections after such turmoil are always delicate. As an Indian, I just hope for a strong, friendly government next door that can work with us on trade, water, and security. All the best to Bangladesh!

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