Bangladesh set for ‘peaceful, inclusive’ election: CA says IRI

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has assured that Bangladesh is on course for a “peaceful and inclusive” national election, emphasising the participation of millions of first-time young voters in what he described as a historic democratic milestone.

“Half the population is under 27, and many will be voting for the first time. We want to make sure they are satisfied. We will have a peaceful and festive voting,” Prof Yunus told a delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI) during a meeting at the state guest house Jamuna on Tuesday.

The IRI delegation, led by Christopher J. Fussner, Member of the IRI Board of Directors, confirmed that the organisation will deploy at least 10 international observers to monitor the February election. “We will have robust election observation in February,” Fussner said, adding that the presence of observers would help reduce the risk of violence.

Other members of the delegation included Lisa Curtis, Senior Fellow and Director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS); Jessica Keegan, Technical Expert on Democratic Elections and Political Processes at IRI; Steve Cima, Resident Program Director at IRI; and Jami Spykerman, Program Director at the National Democratic Institute (NDI). SDG Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed was also present.

The team, currently on a pre-election assessment mission from October 20–23, is engaging with major political parties, government officials, and civil society representatives to evaluate the electoral environment.

Fussner praised the “positive atmosphere” surrounding the upcoming polls, noting that “all parties want an election.” He said the current situation is markedly improved compared to previous election cycles.

The delegation also stressed the need for local observers, particularly from student and civil society groups, to enhance transparency and public trust.

Prof Yunus identified disinformation as a major challenge to modern democracy. “The biggest threat to democracy today is disinformation. It’s well-planned, well-funded, and creates tension immediately. By the time the truth emerges, people have already reacted,” he warned.

Fussner echoed these concerns, particularly regarding the misuse of artificial intelligence to manipulate public opinion through fabricated content.

Prof Yunus highlighted the July National Charter as a turning point in Bangladesh’s democratic transition. “The Charter marks another step forward ahead of the election. Most political parties have already signed it, showing their commitment to reform,” he said.

The IRI delegates commended Prof Yunus for his leadership during the ongoing transition. “You are doing a great job during the transition,” one delegate said, while another described his leadership as “absolutely remarkable.”

According to IRI’s Asia-Pacific Senior Director Johanna Kao, the mission underscores IRI’s commitment to supporting democratic processes in Bangladesh. “We look forward to engaging with stakeholders and assessing the state of the electoral environment,” she said in a statement.

Following the visit, IRI will issue a public report evaluating Bangladesh’s readiness for the election and providing recommendations for ensuring integrity, inclusiveness, and peace during the polls.

Since its founding in 1984, IRI has conducted more than 250 international election observation missions globally, operating under the UN-endorsed Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation (2005) and maintaining a strictly non-partisan and non-interfering approach.

The IRI delegation also met with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday as part of its ongoing consultations.