Bangladesh’s development partners are ‘eagerly’ waiting for a better reconstitution of the Election Commission, process of which is now on under the aegis of none other than the country’s first citizen, President Abdul Hamid.
While the development partners are so far feeling ‘encouraged’ with the process, they will not jump into any conclusion about the new commission that will perhaps comprise five members including the Chief Election Commissioner until they take over and start functioning.
And, the engagements and assisting the new Commission will depend upon how they act and what they require.
While talking to The Independent over the last few days, several envoys of developed countries voiced for a strong, independent and impartial EC that will be able to conduct elections in a free and fair manner.
“Look, we all want a strong, impartial and independent EC. So far, the development on the way to reconstitute the Commission which will replace a Commission that failed to earn the confidence of most of the political parties,” said an Ambassador.
“Of course, we are keeping a close eye on the developments. We are hoping the incoming Commission will be able to avert any controversy during its tenure,” he said.
“Yes, like you all, we are also keenly following the developments regarding the reconstitution of the EC. We will only
involve ourselves in terms of assisting the Commission as we did in the past when we will be able to see a good product,” said another influential Ambassador.
When asked what he means by product, he said, “Obviously, I mean the new Election Commission.”
“As a well wisher and development partner of Bangladesh, we certainly do not want the repeat pre-January, 2014 election. So, it is important that Bangladesh has a strong EC to conduct free, fair and neutral polls. When it comes to assistance, there will be no shortage of friends to come up with help. Wait and see how things shape up,” said an envoy of an important country.
When asked about the appointment with the President sought by the United Nations, European Union (EU) and some important development partners to talk about the process of the reconstitution, envoys said that they are yet to hear anything from Bangabhaban.
Meanwhile, EU Ambassador to Dhaka Pierre Mayaudon told a press event on ‘EU Development Cooperation Agenda in Bangladesh 2017’ at his residence that the bloc has long been partner of the EC.
“We have notably contributed to the realisation of voting. Each citizen is equipped with cards that cannot be forged and so on and it is quite a substantial programme. We have recently associated with the EC with a project for capacity building,” he said.
The envoy said that following the election in January, 2014, the EU curtailed the ‘magnitude of its projects’ and the projects that were ongoing had been terminated.
“So, as we speak, the EU does not have any project aiming at strengthening the EC. In a few days from now, we will know the composition of the new EC. If they express their willingness to get assistance from the international community, donors, and partners especially the EU, given our long lasting partnership, any specific request will definitely be considered,” he said.
A source at the EU delegation, however, told The Independent, “Assisting the new EC will depend upon the new people who will make the Commission. We will give them some time as to how the members of the Commission work before making a decision to provide assistance.”
To another question, Mayaudon said, “It is consistent with our support for strengthening democracy and human rights in Bangladesh. People with better livelihood, people who are better educated, civil society which is transparent, people who live in better environment are empowered citizens. So our objective is to strengthening democracy and human rights in Bangladesh.”
Asked about the relationship between the government and the civil society organisations (CSO), he said, “The civil society in Bangladesh is and certainly will continue to be a prime contributor to the socio-economic development of the country in partnership with the local authorities. We have raised some concerns over Foreign Donations Act and our aspiration is that Bangladesh will continue to be the NGO-friendly country as it always has been.”
In reply to a question, the Ambassador said that the EU is facilitating, supporting and encouraging dialogue between CSOs and the government to make public officials more accountable towards citizens and better prepared to engage with the civil society.  
On UN report that detailed the atrocities against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, the envoy said, “The EU supports Rohingya community and we do it in concrete manner. We never miss an opportunity in the UN or in our bilateral engagement with the government of Myanmar to raise our concern regarding the situation of Rohingya community in Myanmar.”
“There will be EU response to the Rohingya crisis. I think we have to call it like that. It’s nothing new. We have been constantly asking Myanmar to stop the persecution. So, it is very much in our agenda. We have constant dialogue with all stakeholders in Myanmar to make it clear that what is happening in Myanmar is completely unacceptable,” he said.
The EU is supporting UNHCR, international and local NGOs which are trying help the Rohingyas in difficult and challenging situation, he added.
Mayaudon further said, “Rohingya problem solution calls for political settlement. There will be a need for assistance.”
About the government’s decision to relocate Rohingyas in Thengar Char, he said, “Our understanding is that it is very much in the definition mode. So, we are very eager to learn more, the modalities, the ways and means and after that if we are requested to provide any assistance, we will define our line according to what we will be informed of.”
“At this moment we don’t have any information of which response is needed. It is not that we are requested completely in concrete manner,” he added.
The EU Ambassador informed that EU Development Cooperation Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2014-2020, with an overall financial envelope of around EUR 700 million, aims at supporting Bangladesh in promoting an equitable and sustainable growth, socio-economic development and improved democratic governance.
The EU MIP is fully aligned with the SDGs and with the Bangladesh’s 7th Five Year Plan, he said.
In December 2016, Mayaudon said that the EU and Bangladesh concluded agreements for the implementation of four EU-funded programmes under two major focal areas — Investing in people and Investing in sustainable environment.
This represents an overall contribution in grants of EUR 126 million, he said.