BNP, IRI discuss polls, political reforms

Staff Reporter :

The BNP held a meeting with a visiting delegation from the US-based International Republican Institute (IRI) on Thursday morning to discuss Bangladesh’s embryonic political landscape, the upcoming national election, and reform measures.

The discussion, lasting about an hour from 11am, took place at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka.

A three-member BNP team, led by Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, joined the meeting. The other members were Organising Secretary Shama Obaed and Acting Chairperson’s Adviser Mahadi Amin.

On the IRI side, the delegation was headed by Asia Pacific Director Stephen Cima. Deputy Director Matthew Carter and Senior Programme Manager Amitabh Ghosh were also present.

Speaking to the media afterward, Dr Moyeen said the talks touched on the post-uprising political situation in Bangladesh, reform efforts, and the BNP’s perspective on the next election. He said the BNP delegation presented its strategic outlook and plans to the IRI officials.

“The meeting was fruitful one. We conveyed our understanding of the political transition now underway in Bangladesh and shared our ideas on democratic reforms and the coming polls,” Dr Khan said.

As part of its ongoing engagements, the IRI delegation is meeting different political parties in Bangladesh. On August 19, the team also held talks with senior leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at the party’s central office.

The IRI, headquartered in Washington, works worldwide to promote democratic institutions and practices through collaboration with political parties, civil society, and government agencies.