Dhaka: Japan is set to provide a $4.8 million grant to Bangladesh’s Election Commission for its ‘ballot project’, aimed at sensitizing voters and enhancing transparency in the electoral process.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the agreement was signed today at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon. The signing ceremony was attended by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, Japanese Ambassador SAIDA Shinichi, UNDP resident representative Stifan Liller, and Japanese foreign ministry’s International Cooperation Bureau director-general Ishiizuki Hideo.
The Election Commission is implementing the $18.53 million project, sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Commission officials have noted that Australia previously assured them of a $2 million contribution to the project on June 18.
EC officials explained that Japan’s grant aims to bolster the election regulator’s institutional, technical, and operational expertise. The project seeks to enhance voter and citizen education, particularly encouraging women, youth, and marginalized communities to participate in the voting process. It also aims to ensure transparency and integrity throughout the entire electoral process.
CEC AMM Nasir Uddin welcomed Japan’s assistance, stating that the agreement would strengthen the Election Commission’s ability to uphold public confidence and democratic values. Japanese Ambassador SAIDA Shinichi remarked that Bangladesh is at a crucial juncture in its democratic journey and expressed Tokyo’s respect for the rights of Bangladeshis, pledging full support for peaceful and democratic transformation through free, fair, and inclusive elections.
UNDP resident representative Stifan Liller emphasized that Japanese assistance would aid Bangladesh in conducting a peaceful and credible election. EC’s senior secretary Akhter Ahmed expressed optimism about the effective use of the assistance.