No plans to send UN observers to Bangladesh elections

The United Nations has said it has no plans to send any election observers to Bangladesh for the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections. UN Secretary-General's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric made the announcement in response to a question at a regular briefing on Tuesday.

He said the UN does not usually send election observers on its own initiative. Such a decision is taken only if there is a specific mandate from the UN General Assembly or Security Council. He noted that currently election observation is not within the mandate of the UN.

However, the spokesperson said that they will inquire whether the UN office in Bangladesh is providing any technical assistance related to the elections. He said that the UN regularly provides technical assistance in the election process in different countries around the world.

The briefing also raised questions about BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's return to the country after a long time. In this context, Dujarric said that the UN does not analyze any political events or news. However, he stressed that the UN will continue to support this democratic process so that the people of Bangladesh can freely and independently express their political views.

The UN has also expressed deep shock and condolences over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, the Secretary-General's spokesperson said.