Dhaka, July 02 (V7N) — The Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed an agreement to support Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) in organizing the upcoming national elections. The agreement was signed on Wednesday at the Election Building in Dhaka.

As part of the deal, Japan will provide a grant of 695 million yen (approximately $4.8 million) aimed at strengthening the institutional, technical, and operational capacity of the Election Commission.

The signing ceremony was attended by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi, and UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller.

Ambassador Saida Shinichi said, “Bangladesh is at a crucial juncture in its journey towards democracy. Japan fully supports efforts to achieve peaceful and democratic transformation through free, fair, and inclusive elections.”

Stefan Liller noted, “Japan’s assistance will help Bangladesh organize peaceful and credible elections. This electoral support will contribute to advancing democratic development.”

Election Commission Senior Secretary Md. Akhtar Ahmed thanked Japan for the pledge of support and said the EC would ensure proper use of the funds. He also acknowledged the ongoing cooperation from UNDP.

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