Dhaka, June 18 — Australia has announced a $2 million grant to directly support the Bangladesh Election Commission’s Ballot Project, aimed at strengthening electoral processes in the country. The announcement was made during a formal agreement signing ceremony on Tuesday.

Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Susan Grace Ryley, expressed her country's commitment, stating, “We are pleased to contribute $2 million directly to support the Ballot Project. We are proud to be part of this important initiative during a crucial time for Bangladesh.”

The project, managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will receive a total of $18.53 million in funding from various donors. The initiative includes 16 key components focusing on capacity building, public awareness, training, and strengthening the institutional framework.

Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat, Akhtar Ahmed, highlighted the importance of international support in enhancing the electoral process. UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh, Stefan Liller, also expressed hope that more development partners will join in supporting the project’s implementation.