The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is supporting the Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh in updating the voter list by providing essential equipment, including laptops and scanners. On Sunday, January 19, UNDP’s Resident Representative in Bangladesh, Stefan Liller, handed over the initial batch of 175 laptops, 200 document scanners, and 4,300 bags to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin.
According to EC sources, the voter list updating process will commence on January 20, with data collection from door to door. This campaign will run until February 3. During this period, photographs will be taken, and biometric data such as iris scans and fingerprints will be collected at various registration centers using the equipment provided.
During the handover ceremony, Stefan Liller said, “UNDP is reviewing how to assist the Election Commission based on its requirements. We are engaging with political parties, civil societies, and other stakeholders. As part of this engagement, we are supporting the critical task of updating the voter list. This collaboration will continue, and UNDP will also help raise awareness about the voter list update.”
The CEC stated, “The Election Commission does not engage in political rhetoric. It is progressing towards elections according to the government’s timeline. This time, the voter list will remain beyond dispute.”
He further added, “The voter list update begins on the 20th. Today, UNDP is providing several hundred laptops, scanners, and cameras. More will come in the future. We expect them to assist us throughout the registration process. Their needs assessment team is arriving to determine further support for the national election. We understand they will contribute significantly, as many things are required in the election process.”
In response to a question, the CEC said, “We are working to dispel doubts regarding the voter list. Field operations start tomorrow, and we aim to address any concerns. We hope to complete the update process within six months. The voter growth rate has been set at 1.55%. A total of 65,000 personnel will be deployed for this massive program, and we have taken extensive measures to meet the deadline. The program will be inaugurated in Savar.”
Earlier, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed stated, “After the voter list update, UNDP will assist with the generalization process. We have requested their support to fill gaps in our equipment. Once we collect information from households, UNDP will help with customization. Their assistance includes technical support, hardware, software, training, capacity building, communication, and meeting specific SDG targets. For software, any necessary upgrades will be supported. Additionally, they will help with technical support, training, and awareness building.”
UNDP has consistently supported the EC with infrastructure development, training, and election equipment in the past. It will also assist in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the voter list update. Recently, UNDP held meetings with the Election Commission to discuss these efforts.
The EC is preparing for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, targeting December for the polls.
