DHAKA, March 17, 2024 (BSS) - Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said the NDI-IRI in their report acknowledged that the January 7 National Election had witnessed less violence.

"A fair and good election was held," said the foreign minister while responding to query of a reporter regarding NDI-IRI report at Foreign Service Academy here today.

The foreign minister said that quality of the election was much better than the previous ones in Bangladesh or elections held in the subcontinent.

"BNP and their allies had not only boycotted the election but also tried to resist it... they should also address this issue," Hasan said.

He said that BNP incited violence and people were burnt and killed.
 "These issues have to be included in the report," he added.

Responding to a query on whether the government is rejecting the NDI and IRI report, Mahmud said it is not a matter of rejection or acceptance.

"They have given the report, we are looking at it, and we are examining all the observations made by our friendly countries and anyone else," said the foreign minister.

The 2024 election had less physical and online violence compared to previous election cycles, said the NDI-IRI technical assessment mission.

The joint National Democratic Institute (NDI) and International Republican Institute (IRI) Technical Assessment Mission - deployed to Bangladesh to monitor potential violence before, during, and after the country's January 7, 2024 parliamentary election - has released its final report.