AL’s letter to UN will have no effect on polls: Touhid

Diplomatic Correspondent :

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has dismissed the Awami League’s recent letter to the United Nations, saying it will have no impact on the UN’s role in Bangladesh’s upcoming election.

Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, Touhid said the interim government sees “no consequence” in the letter sent by the Awami League urging the UN to withdraw from supporting what the party termed a “non-inclusive and non-credible” election.

Last Saturday, the Awami League sent a letter to UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller, calling on the UN to suspend its electoral assistance to Bangladesh until an inclusive and credible electoral environment is ensured.

The letter, signed by former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, also expressed concern over UNDP’s involvement in the “Ballot Project” and other forms of electoral support.

In the letter, the party urged the UN and UNDP to encourage a national dialogue and uphold human rights and the rule of law as the basis for any election-related engagement.

It warned that such cooperation could risk violating international law, UN principles, and UNDP’s own mandate to promote free,fair, and participatory elections. Touhid, however, made it clear that the interim government believes the letter carries no practical weight and will not alter the UN’s engagement with Bangladesh’s electoral process.