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    Dhaka, July 2 – On July 2, the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed an exchange of notes regarding the Project for Electoral Assistance in support of free, fair and inclusive national elections in Bangladesh.
 
    Under this agreement, the Government of Japan will provide grant assistance amounting to JPY 695 million (approximately USD 4.8 million). This support will be used to strengthen the capacity of the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC), promote civic and voter registration, enhance participation of underrepresented groups including women, youth and marginalized groups, and improve the overall transparency and integrity of the electoral process.
 
    The signing ceremony took place at the Election Commission Secretariat in Dhaka, with H.E. Mr. SAIDA Shinichi, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, and Mr. Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, serving as the signatories. The event was witnessed by Mr. ISHIIZUKI Hideo, Director-General of the International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Mr. AMM Nasir Uddin, Chief Election Commissioner of Bangladesh.
 
    Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Saida stated “Bangladesh stands at a pivotal moment in its democratic journey. With respect for Bangladesh’s ownership, Japan fully supports Bangladesh’s effort to carry out a peaceful and democratic political transition through free, fair, and inclusive elections. We hope that Japan’s assistance through UNDP will contribute significantly to these efforts.”
 
    Also speaking at the event, Mr. Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, expressed deep appreciation for Japan’s generous support and long-standing partnership. He emphasized that “Japan’s support reinforces our shared goal of helping Bangladesh hold peaceful and credible elections that truly reflect the will of its people.”
 
    Bangladesh is currently undergoing a historic political transition, with national elections expected to be held by the first half of 2026. The project responds to the request of the Bangladesh Election Commission and reflects the shared commitment of Japan, UNDP, and Bangladesh to support democratic governance, electoral integrity, and inclusive political participation.
 
    This initiative is part of Japan’s broader cooperation with Bangladesh under the Strategic Partnership and its commitment to promoting peace, human security, and democratic development in the Indo-Pacific region.