Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus has assured the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) that the interim government remains firmly committed to conducting free, fair, and credible national elections between December 2025 and June 2026.
“Our goal is to ensure that this election becomes the most credible in Bangladesh’s history and a milestone in the country’s democratic journey,” Dr Yunus stated during a meeting with an ANFREL delegation at the State Guest House Jamuna on Thursday.
The delegation from ANFREL, a regional network of civil society organisations dedicated to promoting electoral democracy in Asia, was led by Executive Director Brizza Rosales. Other members included May Butoy, Consultant for the Bangladesh Elections and Democracy Programme; Tharindu Abeyrathna, Senior Programme Officer for Campaign and Advocacy; Ayan Rahman Khan, Programme Officer; and Afsana Amey, Programme Associate. The details of the meeting were shared by the Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, in a briefing to media.
ANFREL has been active for over two decades in supporting election monitoring, democratic development, and civic participation across the region. In Bangladesh, the organisation is currently engaged in strengthening independent, citizen-led election observation mechanisms.
During the discussions, the delegation outlined its ongoing initiatives in the country, particularly those focused on stakeholder mapping and needs assessment.
These efforts aim to identify opportunities to enhance the role of civil society in the electoral process and promote greater transparency.
Expressing appreciation for the government’s openness and willingness to engage, ANFREL reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with stakeholders in Bangladesh to support free, fair, and transparent elections.
