Japan grants Tk 56.5 crore to support Bangladesh’s electoral process

The Government of Japan has pledged financial assistance of Tk 56.5 crore (approximately USD 4.8 million) to support Bangladesh's electoral process. The grant will be provided through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under a newly signed agreement between Japan and UNDP.

The funds will be utilized under the Election Commission’s “Ballot” project, aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, ensuring transparent and inclusive elections, and promoting civic engagement.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, in the presence of Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi and UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.

Also present were EC’s Senior Secretary and Hideo Ishizuki, Director General of the International Cooperation Bureau of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the EC, Japan will provide 695 million Japanese Yen under this agreement to help improve institutional, technical, and operational capacities. The initiative focuses on enhancing voter and civic education, promoting the participation of women, youth, and marginalized communities, and ensuring transparency and integrity throughout the electoral process.

Welcoming the support, CEC Nasir Uddin said the assistance would strengthen the commission’s operational framework and contribute to organizing elections that uphold public trust and democratic values.

Ambassador Saida Shinichi stated that Bangladesh stands at a critical point in its democratic journey. He reaffirmed Japan’s respect for Bangladesh’s sovereignty and expressed full support for its peaceful and democratic political transition through free, fair, and inclusive elections. “We hope this assistance through UNDP will make a meaningful contribution,” he added.

UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller expressed deep gratitude to Japan for its continued partnership and generosity. “Japan’s support has added fresh momentum to our shared goal of helping Bangladesh hold peaceful and credible elections that truly reflect the will of its people,” he said.

He also noted that this initiative is part of the broader Japan-Bangladesh partnership to promote peace, human security, and democratic development in the Indo-Pacific region.