UN hopes for participation of all parties in upcoming election

UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis expressed hope that all political parties, including the BNP, will participate in the upcoming national election.

She made the remarks after meeting BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office on Sunday morning.

Lewis emphasized the election’s importance and noted that the United Nations is providing technical support to the Election Commission.

She expressed optimism that all parties would engage in the electoral process, which will progress in the coming months.

The hour-long meeting covered various topics including Bangladesh’s current political situation, the parliamentary election scheduled for February, and the Rohingya repatriation issue.

Lewis was joined by Huma Khan, senior human rights adviser at the UN’s Dhaka office.

From the BNP, Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Advisory Council member Humayun Kabir, and Organizing Secretary Shama Obaid attended the meeting.Afterward, Amir Khasru told the media that the discussions focused on restoring democratic order in Bangladesh through a fair and inclusive election.

He stressed BNP’s belief that credible elections are essential for democracy’s revival and highlighted strategies for ensuring the success of the upcoming polls.

Regarding the Rohingya crisis, Amir Khasru said they discussed the situation in Cox’s Bazar and the future of the Rohingya community, noting the UN’s ongoing support and ways to strengthen its assistance.

He also thanked Gwyn Lewis for her courageous role in defending democracy and human rights during challenging times in Bangladesh, praising her consistent advocacy aligned with the UN Charter.