UN lauds govt's political, electoral reforms
The visiting assistant secretary general of the United Nations Department of Political Affairs yesterday lauded the government for taking up various political and electoral reforms, particularly the move to make the Election Commission independent.
“The reforms have set Bangladesh as a best example and a role model for the UN and many of its member states in the institutionalisation of democracy,†said Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, the assistant secretary general.
He said this when he and his three-member delegation called on Foreign Minister Dipu Moni at the foreign ministry.
Oscar Fernandez-Taranco is on a three-day visit to Bangladesh to learn about the preparations by the EC for the next general elections.
He also praised the government for political initiatives to make the EC politically, institutionally and financially independent, and transform it into a “truly highly professional, efficient and credible electoral institution, much beyond the UN's expectationsâ€.
Oscar Fernandez-Taranco assured that the UN would continue its institutional and capacity building support to the Election Commission during the 2013 general elections and beyond, said a foreign ministry press release.
Dipu Moni thanked the UN for its technical support in preparing an electronic voter roll and provision of translucent ballot boxes.
“Bangladesh welcomes UN's continued engagement and partnership with its EC to complement the government's efforts to empower the country's electoral institution,†she said.
Oscar Fernandez-Taranco also met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter's Gono Bhaban residence in the evening.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments