Despite Successful Election, Political Violence is Still an Issue in Bangladesh: Political Parties are Key to its Eradication, Report Shows

February 16, 2009

The political violence following Bangladesh's historic December 2008 parliamentary election shows that the use of aggression as a political tool is still prevalent; political parties are instrumental to its eradication, finds a report released today by the human rights group Odhikar and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.

Elections, Post-conflict, Political Parties, Election Observation

Odhikar and IFES Final Report on Election Violence

February 16, 2009

This report details the findings from the Election Violence Education and Resolution (EVER) program, designed by IFES and implemented by Odhikar

Elections, Post-conflict, Election Procedures, Political Parties, Civil Society

Post-election Violence Follows Historic Bangladeshi Poll

January 06, 2009

The December 29 elections in Bangladesh have been reported as free, fair and peaceful by international and domestic observer groups including the Asian Network for Free and Fair Elections (ANFREL) and the European Union.

Elections, Post-conflict, Election Procedures, Political Parties, Civil Society

Elections Today: A Seat at the Table

Winter 2001

During the recent national elections in Bangladesh, the organization I work with, Action on Disability and Development (ADD), deployed 300 observers with disabilities to work in eight constituencies throughout the country. The observers with disabilities showed tremendous enthusiasm in election observations. Their presence was identified as they wore their smart and distinct outfits-cream colored T-shirts, beige caps, brown and blue shoulder bag-all prominently displayed with the words: "Disabled Peoples Observation of National Election, 2001." This effort was funded by IFES, under a grant from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Assistance (SIDA).

Civil Society, People with Disabilities, Elections, Election Observation

Issues and Priorities for Bangladesh: The 2000 IFES National Survey

November 01, 2001

In 2000, IFES conducted a first-of-its-kind poll of Bangladeshi adults that measured their opinions about a range of social and political issues. At the time, Bangladeshi politics was dominated by conflict between its two major parties. Through the poll, IFES hoped to learn voters’ attitudes toward the country’s current political and economic situation and to document their policy preferences. The results were made available to political parties, the government and civil society to better inform them about voters’ concerns.

Twenty-two percent of respondents said development should be the foremost concern of their country’s leaders, and 17 percent (the next largest group) said politicians should focus on improving the “law and order situation.”

Civil Society

Pre-Election Technical Assessment: Republic of Bangladesh, September 2000

September 2000

This pre-election technical assessment regarding the October 2001 parliamentary elections in Bangladesh details the IFES team's aim to identify interventions that could build confidence and possibly create inducements for the opposition to reengage in the election process.  With the above objectives in mind, the report discusses IFES development of a number of proposals centered on building public confidence, and promoting transparency and inclusiveness in the administration of the election process.  This report also details the various political parties, the political system and the Electoral Laws then present in Bangladesh.  

Political Parties, Elections, Election Law, Legal Framework, Gender Issues

Election Official Training in Bangladesh: Project Overview and Recommendations

July 1996

This report details the IFES Election Official Training Assistance Project undertaken in October and November 1995.  The document focuses on the technical assistance and commodities support to the Secretariat in support of its newly established Electoral Training Institute.  The report details the multi-tiered project which helped prepare the Training Institute for election officials throughout Bangladesh.  The discussion turns to the preparation of manuals, the development of an Election Official Pledge and Code of Conduct and details the intricacies of IFES work in assisting in Bangladeshi elections.            

Election Observation, Elections, Civil Society, Democracy Assistance, Election Management

Bangladesh Pre-Election Technical Assessment (January-February 1995) for the Sixth Parliamentary Elections projected for Winter 1995-96

March 1996

This 1995 report evaluates Bangladesh's administrative systems for the delivery of electoral services such as constituency delimitation, voter identification and registration, balloting and election administration, poll worker training, vote tabulation, voter education, campaign practices, and media and civic participation prior to parliamentary elections.  The report continues by identifying feasible areas for short-term technical assistance in anticipation of the parliamentary elections and provides a framework for public and private-funded assistance projects.  Lastly, the report recommends longer term improvements to Bangladesh's election process as well as concrete actions which could be taken by USAlD and the NGO community in strengthening democratic institutions.

Election Disputes, Political Parties, Elections, Election Management, Legal Framework