Japan to dispatch election observer mission ahead of Feb-12 polls

Japan has decided to send an Election Observer Mission to monitor the general election scheduled for February 12, reaffirming its support for democratic processes in Bangladesh.

According to an official statement, the mission will be deployed from February 9 to February 14 and will be led by Watanabe Masato, former Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh. The delegation will include officials from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka and an external election expert.

During its stay, the mission will observe key aspects of the electoral process, including voting and vote counting. It will also hold discussions with the Bangladesh Election Commission and exchange views with election observer missions from other countries and relevant stakeholders.

The Japanese government said the decision to dispatch the mission reflects Japan’s commitment to supporting the consolidation of democracy in Bangladesh. The move follows the Bangladesh Election Commission’s announcement welcoming international observers for the upcoming election.

AM