BD set to hold largest democratic poll: German envoy

Staff Reporter :

German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz has said that Bangladesh is poised to hold the world’s largest democratic election next year, marking what he described as an enormously important step for the country’s return to democracy.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday afternoon after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin and Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed at the Election Commission in Agargaon in the capital, Lotz said the scale and significance of the upcoming vote make it one of the most consequential elections globally.

“More than 127 million people will be allowed to vote to express their democratic will. And with that, the country has a chance to join back into the league of democratic nations in Asia and in the world,” the ambassador said.

He described the Election Commission’s preparations as “highly commendable”, noting that organising such a massive election is an enormous challenge for any country.
“This is not only important for Bangladesh but also for regional and global democracy,” he said.
“I wish the Election Commission good luck, and I wish good luck to the people of Bangladesh in their return to democracy,” Lotz added, expressing optimism about the country’s democratic journey.

When asked whether the forthcoming 13th Parliamentary Election would be inclusive, the German envoy said, “We think that the country needs a credible election, a credible election in which a plurality of parties can participate.”

Dr Lotz reiterated that the next national election would be one of the largest democratic exercises in the world, where over 127 million registered voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots.
“Through this, Bangladesh will once again play a vital role in the community of democratic nations in Asia and across the globe,” he said.
Praising the Election Commission’s ongoing efforts to prepare for the massive task ahead, he said the institution was doing “a really good job” in taking on the challenge.
“This is a very significant moment for Bangladesh’s democracy, and we hope to see the people express their will freely and peacefully,” Lotz said.