UN closely observing Bangladesh polls situation

Politics

USA Correspondent: The United Nations said it was closely following the situation in Bangladesh ahead of the national elections scheduled to be held on December 30.

‘We’re following the situation closely and it’s very important as a matter of principle that anywhere there are elections, that they be conducted freely and fairly and that the space be given for people to express themselves,’ said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations secretary general, at a press briefing on Thursday.

Earlier at a regular briefing at the UN on December 10, the spokesperson made it clear that the United Nations did not send observers saying, ‘The UN has no observers. We don’t send observers.’

‘We believe, as a matter of principle, that elections should be held in a positive climate, free from any sort of intimidation,’ said Dujarric.

Following a request for UN electoral assistance from the Bangladesh Election Commission, the spokesperson said the UN office in Bangladesh was providing technical electoral assistance through the UNDP and UN Women’s support to the Bangladesh Parliamentary Election project.