The United Nations (UN) rights office has recommended ensuring a level playing field for all political parties and candidates before the next general elections in Bangladesh.
In its recent report, the UN body urged the reintroduction of appropriate special measures, particularly in the period leading up to the elections, to guarantee fair competition among all participating political parties and candidates.
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released its Fact-Finding Report, titled "Human Rights Violations and Abuses Related to the Protests of July and August 2024 in Bangladesh," from its Geneva office on February 12.
The OHCHR emphasized the need for a safe and conducive environment for free and credible elections, including respect for fundamental freedoms. It also called for strengthening oversight institutions to balance political party influence on governance.
Furthermore, the UN rights office recommended enhancing citizens` participation in the democratic process by ensuring more direct and active involvement in public affairs and decision-making through citizen-led participatory mechanisms.
"Initiate broad consultations with political parties to ensure that their internal management aligns with human rights principles," the report stated.
The OHCHR also urged the Bangladeshi authorities to refrain from imposing political party bans, warning that such actions would undermine the restoration of a genuine multiparty democracy and effectively disenfranchise a significant portion of the electorate.
Additionally, it recommended the effective implementation of laws and regulations promoting substantive equality between men and women in political and public life, including, where necessary, the adoption of temporary special measures.
Speaking at a press briefing in the capital on Saturday, Chief Adviser`s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said that the interim government has already provided an electoral roadmap.
"We have said that if political parties agree to proceed with minimal reforms, elections can be held by December this year," he said.
Shafiqul Alam further said: "If the parties prefer elections to be held after implementing additional reforms, the process could be delayed by up to three months."
On December 16, 2024, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus announced that the next general elections could take place between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026, following the completion of necessary reforms.
"Broadly speaking, the election date can be set between late 2025 and the first half of 2026," he said while addressing the nation on Victory Day.
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