Bangladesh Elections: PAFFREL Chief Calls for Inclusive Reforms After 'Historic' Polls

• PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchie described Bangladesh's recent national elections as "historic and landmark."
• He praised the overall conduct of the polls, noting improvements over previous elections, and commended the election management authorities for a "remarkable job."
• Hettiarachchie emphasized the need for transitional justice and reconciliation processes for future elections, urging the new government to initiate these efforts.
• He highlighted persistent challenges regarding inclusivity and credibility, noting marginalization of women, youth, and religious groups in political participation.
• Only 4% of MPs are women and 8 young people were elected out of 300 seats, underscoring significant representation gaps.