FROM PAGE 12

monitoring and enforcement so that all parties achieve 33 percent women’s representation in all internal committees by 2030.

It suggested considering a requirement for parties to nominate at least one-third women candidates.

Other priorities include amending the Cyber Security Ordinance to place binding obligations on platforms, strengthening campaign finance rules, and extending postal voting to homebound voters, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, migrant labourers, and students.

The report praised the Election Commission, saying that it worked independently and transparently, maintained stakeholders’ confidence, and upheld the integrity of the polls.

It said the peaceful election day, transparent tabulation, and broad acceptance of the outcome helped renew democracy.

The elections were held under a renewed legal framework that largely accords with international standards. The 2025 amendments to the RPO strengthened inclusion and credibility.

Still, the legal framework remained fragmented and required revision to enhance legal certainty, close loopholes, and revise or repeal laws that unduly restrict freedom of expression.

The mission received and corroborated reports of some 56 campaign-related incidents across 27 districts, resulting in at least 200 injuries, mostly involving BNP and Jamaat supporters.

On campaign finance, existing rules were “old and ineffective”. Although spending was capped and post-election reporting was mandatory, limited oversight weakened efforts to verify compliance, the report said.

Women accounted for just under four percent of contestants, and only seven women were elected. The BNP fielded 10 women candidates, while the NCP nominated two. Jamaat and 30 other parties fielded none.

Partisan influencers and deceptive media accounts, including some from outside Bangladesh, were the main sources of disinformation on Facebook and TikTok, according to the report.

On media, the mission said several private outlets tried to offer balanced coverage, but self-censorship remained deeply entrenched. It cited harassment of journalists, digital-led violence, economic vulnerability, and inadequate police protection.

Minorities remained underrepresented, while many persons with disabilities could not vote independently because many polling booths were inaccessible and postal voting was unavailable.