The United Nations Development Programme launched its UNDP election training Bangladesh series in Dhaka on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 4:35 PM. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin led the closing of the first three-day session. The event targeted the Bangladesh election management training under the BALLOT project. Partners included UN Women and UNESCO. It aims to prepare for the 2026 national polls.
This development bolsters electoral integrity in Bangladesh, a South Asian nation pivotal to regional stability. With 120 million registered voters and exports fuelling neighbours’ economies, fair elections prevent unrest that could disrupt trade corridors from India to Myanmar. The training addresses misinformation and inclusion gaps, echoing concerns that have been raised in recent cycles in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Success here sets a precedent for youth-led governance across the subcontinent, where 40% of the population is under the age of 25.
UNDP Election Training in Bangladesh Kicks Off with Focus on Crisis Response
The UNDP election training in Bangladesh initiative forms part of the $7 million BALLOT project, which is active from June 2025 to May 2028. Donors include Australia, Japan, Sweden, and the UK. The project responds to the Bangladesh Election Commission’s request in December 2024. It builds on a UN needs assessment from January 2025.
Ten regional sessions will be rolled out over several weeks. Each lasts three days. The first in Dhaka drew over 50 officials. Topics spanned crisis management and cybersecurity. Gender equality and human rights modules followed. Media and elections closed the agenda.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin addressed participants. He stated: “Effective election management is the foundation of a credible democracy. Through these trainings, we are building not only skills but also the confidence and commitment needed to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.” He added, “This training marks a milestone in our preparation for the upcoming elections. The practical modules will enable our officials to replicate lessons across the country, enhancing capacity and confidence at every level.”
Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed attended. UNESCO’s Dr Susan Vize spoke on information integrity. UN Women’s Gitanjali Singh emphasized the importance of inclusion. UNDP’s Sonali Dayaratne underscored the partnership.
The series targets hundreds of BEC staff nationwide. It equips them for operational challenges. Bangladesh faces low public trust following the 2024 upheaval. Voter turnout dipped to 35% in local polls last year.
Bangladesh Election Management Training Enhances Operational Skills
Bangladesh election management training emphasises practical tools. Officials practised scenario simulations for flood disruptions. Cybersecurity drills countered digital threats. Data from BEC show that 15% of past complaints involved technical failures.
The programme aligns with the UN’s electoral assistance goals in Bangladesh. It promotes transparency in voter registration. The BALLOT project adds 6 million voters to the rolls. Current figures stand at 120 million.
Modules foster replication. Trainers will cascade lessons to districts. This scales impact without extra costs. BEC data indicate that 80% of officials lack advanced crisis training before the programme. Partners stress neutrality. The joint UN statement from November 2025 reaffirms impartiality. Assistance dates to 2008. It respects sovereignty.
UN Electoral Assistance Bangladesh Drives Inclusion and Reform
UN electoral assistance in Bangladesh focuses on gender and youth. Sessions addressed barriers for women candidates. Currently, only 21% of parliamentary seats are held by women. The training aims to increase this to 30% by 2030. Human rights components tackle minority protections. Ethnic groups in Chittagong Hill Tracts report exclusion. Modules include dialogue facilitation.
Media literacy combats fake news. UNESCO reports 25% of Bangladeshis encounter misinformation weekly. Tools teach fact-checking. The BALLOT project phases activities. Phase one targets immediate prep. Phase two institutionalises reforms. It supports legal updates for digital voting.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus praised UN efforts in September 2025. He vowed transparent polls. Japan joined in July 2025 with funding pledges. Critics note challenges. Awami League sought an aid suspension in November 2025. They cite biased fears. UN denies this. The joint statement counters with neutrality pledges.
Background: BALLOT Project’s Role in Democratic Transition
The BALLOT project emerged post-2024 uprising. It aids the transition to the 2026 elections. UNDP leads implementation. BEC executes on the ground. Funding totals $6.99 million. 2025 delivery hit $3.68 million. Australia contributed $2 million. Japan added $1.5 million.
Objectives cover capacity building. Voter education reaches millions. Civic forums engage youth. Media campaigns counter hate speech. A May 2025 agreement with ERD marked its launch. Goals include violence prevention. Electoral reform pushes proportional representation.
UN support spans decades. It provided tech for the 2018 polls. Recent focus shifts to inclusion. Disability-inclusive calls came in August 2025. The project consults parties and civil society. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goals. Targets include 100% voter awareness in pilots.
What’s Next: Scaling UN Electoral Assistance Bangladesh
Nine more trainings follow. Sylhet will host the next event in late November 2025. Chittagong and Rajshahi trail. Voter education campaigns are scheduled to launch in December 2025. They target 10 million urban youth. Digital platforms amplify reach. Electoral reforms debate heats up. Parliament eyes bill in Q1 2026. UN monitors progress.
Donor meetings in January 2026: Review Phase One. An additional $2 million is sought for tech upgrades. The UNDP election training in Bangladesh series positions officials for resilient polls. It fortifies democracy’s base in a volatile region.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, November 9th, 2025
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