Photo : Collected

DHAKA, July 2, 2025 (BSS) – Japan is to provide US$4.8 million (695 Japanese yen) as grant to Bangladesh’s Election Commission for its “ballot project” to sensitize voters and enhance the transparency in electoral process.

The Japanese authorities today signed an agreement with the EC at the Nirbachan Bhaban at Agargaon in a function joined by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, Japanese Ambassador SAIDA Shinichi, UNDP resident representative Stifan Liller and Japanese foreign ministry’s International Cooperation Bureau director-general Ishiizuki Hideo.

The EC is implementing the US$18.53 million project sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with commission officials saying Australia earlier on June 18 assured them of providing US$ 2 million for the project.

EC officials said Japan is providing the grant to increase election regulator’s institutional, technical and operational expertise while the project aimed to heighten voters and citizens’ education and particularly encourage women, youths and the marginal communities’ participation in the voting.

They said the project simultaneously intended to take necessary initiative to ensure transparency and integrity throughout the entire election process.

The CEC welcomed the Japanese assistance saying the agreement would strengthen the EC’s functioning to uphold people’s confidence and democratic values.

The Japanese envoy said Bangladesh was now passing an important moment for making a journey to the democratic way, adding that Tokyo respect the Bangladeshis rights and fully support to the effort of peaceful and democratic transformation through a free, fair and inclusive elections.

The UNDP resident representative said the Japanese assistance would help Bangladesh stage a peaceful and credible election.

“We expect to properly use the assistance,” EC’s senior secretary Akhter Ahmed said.