The United Nations (UN) has said it is closely following the ‘situation’ in Bangladesh ahead of the 11th Parliamentary Election slated for Dec 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, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, at a press briefing on Thursday (Dec 20).
Earlier at a regular briefing at the UN on Dec 10, Dujarric made it clear that the UN does not send observers saying, “The UN has no observers. We don’t send observers.”
“We believe, as a matter of principles, that elections should be held in a positive climate, free from any sort of intimidation,” he said.
Following a request for UN electoral assistance from the Bangladesh Election Commission, the spokesman said the UN office in Bangladesh is providing technical electoral assistance through the UNDP/UN Women's support to the Bangladesh Parliamentary Election Project.