Yunus seeks support from Commonwealth to ensure free, credible elections

He discusses broader youth and economic initiatives with the Commonwealth chief

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has sought the Commonwealth’s full support for the next general election, scheduled for the first half of February.

The Chief Advisor called for the support in a meeting with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday.

He thanked Botchwey for her strong interest in the election process and reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to holding a free, fair, credible, and festive election.

The Commonwealth chief assured him of full backing for both the election and the post-election democratic transition.

“There are vast resources within the Commonwealth -- 56 countries, including members of the G7 and G20 -- that Bangladesh could draw on to strengthen one another,” she said.

She added that she had met a wide range of stakeholders, including the chief justice, law advisor, foreign advisor, and the chief election commissioner.

“I’m very hopeful about the future of the country,” she said.

She also said the Commonwealth is preparing to deploy several observer teams ahead of the elections.

The two leaders also discussed youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, fostering social businesses, and advancing the three-zero vision aimed at reducing unemployment, carbon emissions, and inequality.