United News of Bangladesh

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Thursday handed over 30 desktop computers to the Electoral Training Institute (ETI), reinforcing institutional capacity for electoral training and knowledge management in Bangladesh. It said as Bangladesh enters the post-election phase, the focus shifts to consolidating gains, capturing lessons learned, and preparing for upcoming local elections. In this effort, the Electoral Training Institute (ETI) ETI serves as the central hub for building the capacity of the Bangladesh Election Commission. Candidates must submit election expense returns by mid-March: EC Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh Stefan Liller said UNDP stands ready to continue supporting the Bangladesh Election Commission, building on recent achievements to strengthen the institution and preparing for what comes next, including the upcoming local elections. The ceremony took place at BEC’s office marks a strategic shift in UNDP’s engagement from supporting electoral delivery to strengthening post-election institutional resilience, said UNDP. It follows the successful conduct of Bangladesh’s 13th Parliamentary Elections on 12 February 2026, which underscored the operational leadership and professionalism of the BEC, said the UN agency. The elections were held peacefully, reflecting enhanced institutional capacities developed through sustained technical assistance under the Democratic Reforms through Inclusive Participation (DRIP) and BALLOT projects. Bogura-6, Sherpur-3 by-election to by April 14: EC Masud The new IT equipment will help modernize ETI’s training systems enabling digital learning, simulation-based training, and stronger data management to support continuous, institutionalized learning across the electoral cycle. Attending as the chief guest, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker, Election Commissioner of Bangladesh said, “Today’s handover marks an important milestone in strengthening our post-election capacity. It shows that when national institutions and international partners work together with mutual respect and shared goals, meaningful progress is not only possible, but also sustainable.” Chaired by Mohammad Hasanuzzaman, Director General, Electoral Training Institute, the handover ceremony was also attended by K M Ali Newaz, Additional Secretary, Election Commission Secretariat, Sonali Dayaratne, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP and Andres Castillo, Chief Technical Adviser, UN Electoral Assistance, DRIP and BALLOT along with many others. UNDP’s electoral assistance in Bangladesh is supported by key development partners, including the Governments of Australia, Canada, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.