Bangladesh strongly rejects 6 international CSOs' biased statement on national polls
Bangladesh has vehemently dismissed a statement released by six international civil society organizations regarding the 12th national election conducted on January 7. The foreign ministry asserted that the allegations made in the statement are entirely false and lack any basis.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the foreign ministry refuted the preposterous calls for a fresh election, emphasizing that such demands contradict the widespread acclaim given by the international community for the government's efforts in organizing a free, fair, credible, and peaceful election.
The six organizations involved in the critical statement are the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL), World Alliance for Citizen Participation (CIVICUS), International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Asian Democracy Network (ADN), Capital Punishment Justice Project (Australia), and Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN).
Contrary to the assertions in the critical statement, foreign observers who monitored the elections on the ground described them as "free, fair, transparent, and legitimate." The foreign ministry highlighted that a total of 1,534 candidates from 28 registered political parties and 436 independent candidates participated in the election. The voter turnout was notably high, reaching 70% in numerous rural constituencies.
Although the national average turnout was approximately 42%, reflecting lower participation in urban areas, the foreign ministry maintains that the overall election process was carried out with integrity and credibility.
.png "Advertisement")
