UNDP hands over IT equipment to strengthen election training

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as a continuation of its long-standing support to the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC), has handed over 30 desktop computers on 26 February, 2026 to the Electoral Training Institute (ETI), reinforcing institutional capacity for electoral training and knowledge management in Bangladesh.

The handover, taking place at BEC's office, in Dhaka marks a strategic shift in UNDP's engagement from supporting electoral delivery to strengthening post-election institutional resilience. It follows the successful conduct of Bangladesh's 13th Parliamentary Elections on 12 February 2026, which underscored the operational leadership and professionalism of the BEC. The elections were held peacefully, reflecting enhanced institutional capacities developed through sustained technical assistance under the Democratic Reforms through Inclusive Participation (DRIP) and BALLOT projects.

As Bangladesh enters the post-election phase, the focus shifts to consolidating gains, capturing lessons learned, and preparing for upcoming local elections. In this effort, ETI serves as the central hub for building the capacity of the Bangladesh Election Commission.

The new IT equipment will help modernize ETI's training systems enabling digital learning, simulation-based training, and stronger data management to support continuous, institutionalized learning across the electoral cycle.

Attending as the chief guest, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker, Election Commissioner of Bangladesh noted, "Today's handover marks an important milestone in strengthening our post-election capacity. It shows that when national institutions and international partners work together with mutual respect and shared goals, meaningful progress is not only possible, but also sustainable."

Stefan Liller, Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh was also present as a special guest. He highlighted, "UNDP stands ready to continue supporting the Bangladesh Election Commission, building on recent achievements to strengthen the institution and preparing for what comes next, including the upcoming local elections."

Chaired by Mohammad Hasanuzzaman, Director General, Electoral Training Institute, the handover ceremony was also attended by K M Ali Newaz, Additional Secretary, Election Commission Secretariat, Sonali Dayaratne, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP and Andres Castillo, Chief Technical Adviser, UN Electoral Assistance, DRIP and BALLOT along with many others.

The support is expected to enhance ETI's capacity to deliver standardized, scalable, and digitally enabled training programmes, ultimately improving the preparedness and performance of election officials. It will also contribute to long-term institutional resilience by ensuring that electoral knowledge and best practices are systematically documented and applied.

UNDP's electoral assistance in Bangladesh is supported by key development partners, including the Governments of Australia, Canada, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

This latest handover reaffirms UNDP's commitment to long-term democratic governance in Bangladesh, supporting institutions not only to deliver credible elections, but to sustain and strengthen them over time.