Commonwealth Chief Reaffirms Support for Bangladesh Ahead of Polls

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey said she is engaging with a wide range of stakeholders in Bangladesh to explore how the Commonwealth can continue supporting its people at this important moment and in the years ahead.

On her first official visit to Bangladesh, Botchwey reaffirmed that the Commonwealth remains firmly committed to the country. She held discussions with Dhaka-based High Commissioners on ways to strengthen support for Bangladesh in line with the Commonwealth Charter.

“I had fruitful discussions with Dhaka-based High Commissioners on how the Commonwealth can continue supporting Bangladesh to advance the values of the Commonwealth Charter for the benefit of its people,” Botchwey said.

Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh, Malaysian High Commissioner Mohd Shuhada Othman, Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider, Sri Lankan High Commissioner Dharmapala Weerakkody, and Maldivian High Commissioner Shiuneen Rasheed attended the meeting.

The Secretary-General also met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, expressing appreciation for updates on preparations for the upcoming national election. “We discussed how the Commonwealth can support the full participation of all Bangladeshis,” she said.

Botchwey met representatives of major political parties and emphasized her commitment to ensuring a peaceful, credible, and participatory election, as outlined in the Commonwealth Charter. She also met Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed, noting his insights on the rule of law, judicial independence, and the judiciary’s role in inclusive governance.

She reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh in building judicial capacity and sharing best practices. Her first engagement in the country was with youth leaders. “I was moved by their passion as they spoke about this moment of transition and their expectations for a democracy that works for all,” she said.

The Secretary-General said the Commonwealth will stand with young people in Bangladesh as they work to build a just and prosperous future. She also briefed stakeholders on the Commonwealth’s new Strategic Plan, which places democracy at its core, and explored how tailored support can best serve the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people.

Botchwey’s visit, taking place from November 20–24 ahead of the February 2026 national election, includes a scheduled meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to discuss deepening cooperation on democracy, governance, stability, and national progress.

Before the visit, she described Bangladesh as a valued Commonwealth member with a long-standing partnership. “The Commonwealth and Bangladesh have a strong partnership, one that matters even more now as the country heads to the polls next year,” she said.

“Our shared commitment remains supporting a peaceful, inclusive, and participatory environment where rights and freedoms are respected. The people of Bangladesh can continue to count on the Commonwealth as a trusted partner,” Botchwey added.

Her visit follows a recent mission by the Commonwealth pre-election assessment team, which met stakeholders across the political spectrum to evaluate the pre-poll environment.