UN Rules Out Election Observers for Bangladesh Without Mandate

The United Nations has said it will not deploy election observers to Bangladesh unless there is a formal mandate from the UN General Assembly or the UN Security Council.

“We do not send election observers unless there is a mandate from the General Assembly or the Security Council. That is no longer something the UN itself does,” UN Secretary-General’s Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said at a regular media briefing at UN headquarters on January 5.

He made the remarks in response to a question on whether the UN would send observers to Bangladesh’s upcoming national election, scheduled for February 12.

However, Dujarric noted that the UN may still provide technical assistance at the country level. “I can check whether the UN country office is offering any technical support, which is something we often do in elections,” he said.

Asked how the UN views the return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman after 17 years in the context of Bangladesh’s democratic transition, the spokesperson declined to comment, saying the UN does not assess political developments.

“We will support, in any way we can, elections and the free expression by the Bangladeshi people of their political vision for their country,” he added.

Responding to a question on the passing of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, Dujarric said the UN would convey its condolences to her family and to the people of Bangladesh.