Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed firm optimism that the upcoming national election will be the best in Bangladesh’s history, marking a milestone in the country’s democratic progress. He made these remarks on Saturday, April 19, during a meeting with a delegation from the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka.

During the discussion, Professor Yunus assured the delegation that the caretaker government is committed to ensuring that the election is conducted in a free, fair, and inclusive manner. He emphasized that this election will represent a significant step forward in strengthening democratic governance in Bangladesh.

The ANFREL delegation included Executive Director Briza Rosales, May Butoy, a consultant for the organization’s Bangladesh Election and Democracy Program, Senior Program Officer Tharindu Aberathna, Program Officer Ayaan Rahman Khan, and Program Associate Afsana Ame. They met with the Chief Advisor to discuss their ongoing efforts in Bangladesh and share insights from their work across the region.

ANFREL is a prominent civil society organization dedicated to promoting fair elections, democratic reforms, and civic engagement across Asia. Over the past two decades, the organization has played a critical role in observing and supporting electoral processes in the region. During the meeting, the ANFREL team highlighted their ongoing activities in Bangladesh, particularly their focus on rebuilding independent and citizen-led election monitoring systems.

The delegation reiterated their commitment to fostering transparency and civic participation in the electoral process. They outlined their stakeholder mapping and needs assessment initiatives, which aim to identify areas where civil society engagement can be enhanced to improve the credibility and integrity of elections in Bangladesh.

The Chief Advisor welcomed the delegation’s insights and praised their long-standing efforts in promoting electoral transparency and democratic values. He noted that the current caretaker administration is taking comprehensive steps to ensure the upcoming election reflects the will of the people and strengthens the democratic fabric of the nation.

The ANFREL representatives expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet with the Chief Advisor and reaffirmed their intention to continue working with all relevant stakeholders in Bangladesh. They pledged to support the country in hosting a transparent and credible electoral process that aligns with international democratic standards.

The meeting concluded with mutual recognition of the importance of collaboration between government bodies, civil society organizations, and international observers in ensuring a trustworthy election. As preparations for the national polls continue, both parties acknowledged the critical role of inclusive participation and transparent administration in shaping the future of democracy in Bangladesh.