The National Democratic Institute (NDI) and International Republican Institute (IRI) joint team, now in Bangladesh, will conduct a "limited technical assessment" focused on potential electoral violence conditions before, during, and after the country’s January 7 parliamentary elections. The team comprises five long-term analysts, who have received accreditation from the Bangladesh Election Commission and will stay in Bangladesh for six to eight weeks, according to an announcement made on December23. Quality education important to have well-educated generation: Saudi Envoy The technical assessment includes a thematic analysis of different types of election violence, including inter and intra-party violence, violence targeting women and other marginalized groups, and online harassment and threats, as well as the role of state institutions in addressing these types of violence, in order to evaluate the drivers and implications of election violence during the election cycle. Following the conclusion of the electoral process, IRI and NDI will present a technical assessment report on electoral violence along with constructive recommendations to reduce violence in future elections. This deployment follows a joint pre-election assessment mission (PEAM) that NDI and IRI conducted from October 8 to 11, 2023. Those who are boycotting polls not realistic, lack leadership quality: FM The observations from the PEAM informed the structure and scope of the technical assessment, which is being conducted in accordance with the laws of Bangladesh and consistent with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, which was endorsed in 2005 at the United Nations. IRI and NDI are nonpartisan, nongovernmental organizations that support and strengthen democratic institutions and practices worldwide. The Institutes have collectively observed more than 200 elections in more than 50 countries over the last 30 years. Meanwhile, MoFA Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin in a weekly briefing on Thursday said nine countries have confirmed to observe the 12th national election scheduled for January 7. Boosting Dhaka’s connectivity: Japan funding for Hazrat Shahjalal Airport’s major upgrade India, Sri Lanka, China, Russia, Japan, Uzbekistan, Mauritius, Georgia and Palestine are sending observers, she said. On the other hand, the OIC, Commonwealth and the Arab Parliament will also observe the elections, she mentioned. A four-member EU expert panel is already in Dhaka to observe the election.

Former US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Karl F. Inderfurth today (October 08, 2023) said the international community plays an important role in supporting Bangladesh as it prepares for the elections. “We are here to listen to a variety of actors and show our support for a transparent and inclusive electoral process,” he said as a joint NDI-IRI mission began assessing the status of election preparations. The team is scheduled to have a meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 2:30pm today. The joint International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) pre-election assessment mission arrived in Bangladesh to follow electoral preparations and conduct an independent and impartial assessment. From October 8 to 12, the six-member delegation will meet with a diverse group of election stakeholders including government officials, political party leaders, election authorities, civil society, and others. Read: IRI-NDI pre-election assessment mission due to arrive Saturday The delegation is co-chaired by Inderfurth and Bonnie Glick, former Deputy USAID Administrator; and includes Maria Chin Abdullah, former Member of the House of Representatives, Malaysia; Jamil Jaffer, former Associate Counsel to the President of the United States; Manpreet Singh Anand, NDI Regional Director for Asia-Pacific; and Johanna Kao, IRI Senior Director, Asia-Pacific Division. “This joint pre-election assessment mission demonstrates our interest and support for democracy in Bangladesh,” said Bonnie Glick. “We look forward to meeting with key stakeholders and to provide independent, impartial, and timely analysis as the country heads to the polls,” Glick added. The delegation will conduct its assessment in accordance with the laws of Bangladesh and consistent with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation which was signed in 2005 at the United Nations. Read: Uzra Zeya reiterates USA’s desire to see free, fair election in Bangladesh Following the conclusion of its activities, the delegation will release a statement of its key findings, analysis of the pre-election environment, and practical recommendations to enhance the credibility of the process and citizen confidence in the elections. NDI and IRI are nonpartisan, nongovernmental organizations that support and strengthen democratic institutions and practices worldwide. The Institutes have collectively observed more than 200 elections in more than 50 countries over the last 30 years. Read more: Australia’s Greens party MPs want free, fair elections in Bangladesh