UN will not send polls observers to Bangladesh

The United Nations (UN) has said it has no plan to send observers to monitor the 12th national parliamentary elections of Bangladesh. 

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General’s Office, said this at a press briefing on Wednesday.

He, however, urged all involved parties to ensure that the people of Bangladesh have the freedom to vote and express their opinions without facing any form of intimidation or harassment.

Earlier in September, the European Union (EU) in a letter informed the Bangladesh Election Commission that it will not send a fully-fledged election observation mission for the upcoming national polls.

It is mentionable that, the voting to the 12th parliamentary election will be held on 7 January next year.

According to the election schedule, the last day of submitting nomination is 30 November while the nomination will be scrutinised on 1-4 December and candidates will have until 17 December to withdraw their candidature.