United News of Bangladesh

Commonwealth Observer Group Chairperson Nana Akufo-Addo has underscored the importance of youth participation, noting that Bangladesh has a predominantly youthful population, with a significant proportion of citizens under the age of 35. “Their engagement in the electoral process is vital to the country’s democratic future and will serve as an inspiration to young people across the Commonwealth who stand in solidarity” he said on Sunday. The Commonwealth Observer Group to Bangladesh has commenced its observation of pre-poll arrangements and preparations for the forthcoming national election and referendum, reaffirming the Commonwealth’s solidarity with the people of Bangladesh at this important moment in the country’s democratic journey. The Group arrived in Bangladesh on February 4 and will remain in the country until February 18. As independent observers, the Group will assess the pre-election environment, polling day, and the post-election period. Members will deploy to selected divisions on February 10 to observe the opening of polls, voting, closing, counting, and the management of results. Nana Akufo-Addo said he was honoured to have been invited by the Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, to serve as Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group for the elections and referendum. Releasing his arrival statement in Dhaka, he noted that the elections are taking place at a significant time, following a period of political contestation, public debate on governance and institutional reform, and the continued aspirations of citizens for transparent, inclusive, and credible democratic processes. “Democracy remains one of the most important pillars of the Commonwealth, enshrined in its Charter, a fundamental global value rooted in the principle that people have the right to freely express their will and determine their own political, economic, social, and cultural systems," he said. Commonwealth, EU to deploy large observer teams for Bangladesh election "I enjoin all stakeholders to uphold these important values for the benefit and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh.” Since the Group’s arrival, members have met with representatives of the media, civil society, youth and women’s groups, political parties, and other stakeholders. The team will continue its engagements, including meetings with the Bangladesh Electoral Commission, ahead of election day. The Commonwealth Observer Group comprises the Chairperson and 12 other eminent persons drawn from Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific. Members bring diverse professional backgrounds, including politics, civil society, election management, diplomacy, and law. The Group will issue its interim statement on its preliminary findings on 14 February.

Nana Akufo-Addo, former President of the Republic of Ghana, will lead the Commonwealth observer group for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July Charter.  The Charter is a post-uprising reform framework proposing political and constitutional changes. Both polls are scheduled for 12 February 2026. The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Botchwey, announced the composition of the 14-member Observer Group in London, following an invitation from the Bangladesh Election Commission. She reaffirmed the fundamental importance of 'credible, transparent and inclusive' electoral processes in strengthening democratic governance and supporting long-term stability.  The Secretary-General said as they deploy their team to observe the elections and referendum being held concurrently in Bangladesh. ‘We don't take any side,’ says US Ambassador Christensen "Our presence in Bangladesh is guided not only by the responsibility to observe, but by a commitment to uphold the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people at this crucial moment in their democratic journey, acting independently and impartially to help ensure that their collective will is freely expressed.” She extended her sincere appreciation to these eminent Commonwealth citizens who have dedicated the beginning of their new year to preparing for this significant assignment in support of the people of Bangladesh. President Akufo-Addo will be joined by experts from across the Commonwealth, including professionals in politics, law, media, gender, and election administration.  The Observer Group will be supported by a Secretariat team led by Linford Andrews, Head and Adviser, Electoral Support Section. The mandate of the Commonwealth Observer Group is to observe the electoral process and provide an independent assessment of whether the elections and referendum are conducted in a credible, transparent, and inclusive manner.  The Group will report on the conduct of the electoral process in line with the standards to which Bangladesh has committed itself, including its national laws. Bangladesh, Afghanistan agree to boost ties through economic partnership Upon completion of its mission, the Observer Group will submit a report containing its findings and recommendations to the Commonwealth Secretary-General.  The report will subsequently be shared with the Government of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Election Commission, political parties, all Commonwealth governments, and made publicly available.