Inclusion is about the people, not political parties, says UN’s Gwyn Lewis

Even if the Awami League does not take part in the upcoming election, if the people can take part properly, then it will be an inclusive election, says UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis.

She said that, to the UN, inclusiveness means that every Bangladesh should get the chance to have their say.

Lewis made the remarks during an event organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) in Dhaka on Wednesday.

In response to a question, she said: “An inclusive election means that every segment of society should be able to vote, women, people who are 18, ethnic minorities, different religious communities, that’s what we mean by inclusive. But everybody has access and the ability to participate in the election.”

The reporter followed up, asking: “So it’s not about any political party…”

“No,” she said. “The inclusion for the UN is very specifically about every Bangladeshi having their voice.”

Asked about the ban on Awami League’s activities, she said: “I am not going to comment on the political positioning of the Awami League or BNP, I mean the UN is not involved in the politics. It’s really a question you should ask the govt and the political parties.”

In the United Nations Human Rights Commission’s report on the violence in Bangladesh in July and August last year, it was recommended that no parties be banned.

Asked about what she thought of the ban in that context, Lewis said: “It’s not a question for me, it’s a question for the government. We made our recommendations because the participation and inclusion of all political parties is something that prevents very polarised positions and potentially unrest.”

“But I think the circumstances need to be looked at and the decision of the government needs to be looked at in the context of the country. And I don’t have anything more to say on that. It’s very much a political decision, again the decision of the government.”