Commonwealth offers support to Bangladesh’s reform process ahead of elections

The Commonwealth has expressed strong interest in supporting Bangladesh’s political reform efforts, especially ahead of the upcoming national elections next year.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey made the announcement during a meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in London on Tuesday. She stated that the organization is prepared to assist Bangladesh, particularly with constitutional reforms, if requested.

“Strengthening democracy and good governance among member states is a key priority for the Commonwealth over the next five years,” Botchwey said.

In addition to political reforms, Botchwey highlighted the Commonwealth’s commitment to enhancing trade and investment and supporting member countries’ efforts to combat climate change. She revealed that annual trade among Commonwealth members currently stands at approximately $850 billion, with ambitions to increase this to over $1 trillion within the next few years.

Recognizing the vulnerability of many member nations—especially smaller states—to climate change, Botchwey pledged to help improve their access to climate finance.

Chief Adviser Yunus encouraged the Commonwealth to explore the role of sports in fostering youth engagement across member countries. He noted, “Sports are more than just entertainment; they provide a social platform and opportunities for entrepreneurship.” He suggested that sports could serve as an effective medium to raise the Commonwealth’s profile.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General also announced plans to hold a youth-focused program in Dhaka later this month and revealed ongoing efforts to engage the organization’s 1.5 billion young people through various initiatives, including revamping Commonwealth scholarships.

The meeting was attended by National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy Lutfe Siddique, Senior Secretary for SDG Lamia Morshed, and Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to the UK, Abida Islam.