United News of Bangladesh

European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs on Sunday explained what exactly they mean by ‘inclusive and participatory’, stressing the inclusion of all social groups in the elections. "And as for the inclusive participatory, this is an important issue. I think the inclusive means, from our perspective first of all, the inclusion of all social groups of Bangladesh citizens - groups like women, groups like ethnic, religious, minorities, and also the regional groups to participate," he said. During a crowded media briefing, a journalist drew attention to the sudden shift in the meaning of the terms inclusive and participatory. In response, Chief Observer Ijabs said participation was precisely what they were seeking - a credible voter turnout in the elections. He also said such participation would signal that Bangladeshi citizens are actively engaging in the democratic process to decide their own future.