Germany has expressed its firm expectation that the upcoming national election in Bangladesh will be free, fair, credible, and participatory. German Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lutz shared these sentiments on Wednesday (26 November) during a talk organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the National Press Club. He emphasised that a meaningful election is vital for consolidating the democratic fabric of the nation.
The Ambassador stated that Germany hopes for a process that aligns with international standards of transparency and inclusivity. He pointed out that beyond the technical fairness of the polls, the spontaneous participation of the general public is paramount. Drawing on a projection made by the Chief Adviser, Dr Lutz noted that a voter turnout of at least 60 per cent is anticipated—a figure that Germany fully supports. High turnout, he remarked, significantly enhances the legitimacy of the electoral outcome. Furthermore, he urged all political parties to ensure that the campaigning period remains peaceful, highlighting that reducing political violence is essential for encouraging voters to exercise their franchise without fear.
Highlighting the long-standing bilateral relations, the Ambassador noted that Germany, as a key development partner, remains deeply interested in seeing a stable and democratic Bangladesh. He praised the role of media organisations like DCAB in ensuring transparency through objective reporting. The ‘DCAB Talk’ was chaired by the association’s President, A K M Moinuddin, while Secretary General Arifuzzaman Mamun also addressed the gathering. During the event, Ambassador Lutz answered various questions regarding current political reforms and the economic outlook of Bangladesh. He expressed optimism that the Election Commission and all relevant stakeholders would successfully conduct a landmark election. Germany reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh throughout this transition towards a sustainable democratic future.
GLIVE/TSN