This statement (Download PDF) is offered by an international pre-election delegation organized by the National Democratic Institute (NDI). The delegation’s purpose was to: accurately and impartially review electoral preparations in advance of Bangladesh's upcoming 11th National Elections; examine factors that could affect the integrity of the electoral process; and offer recommendations that could help improve the prospects for peaceful, credible elections and public confidence in the process.

Members of the delegation include: Ambassador Karl Inderfurth, former Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs and current NDI Board member; Honorable Farahnaz Ispahani, author and former Member of Parliament, Pakistan; and Peter Manikas, Senior Associate and Regional Director for NDI’s Asia Programs. The delegation was joined by Michael McNulty, NDI Elections Advisor, and Adam Nelson, NDI Senior Program Manager for Asia.

From October 5 to 11, 2018, the delegation met with: officials in the Prime Minister’s office; party leaders from across the political spectrum; the Election Commission; civil society representatives, including citizen election observer group leaders; women members of parliament and political activists; media representatives; former government officials; business leaders; and representatives of the international and diplomatic communities. The delegation is deeply grateful to all those with whom it met and who shared their views freely. The delegation also expresses its appreciation to the National Endowment for Democracy for supporting this mission.