United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis on Wednesday said the participation and inclusion of all political parties will help prevent a "very polarized position" and potential "unrest" though the circumstances should be viewed in the context of the country.
"But I think circumstances need to be looked at....the decision of the government needs to be looked at in the context of the country. It is very much a political decision and again a decision of the government," she told diplomatic correspondents at a program titled "DCAB Talk" held at the Jatiya Press Club.
The UN resident coordinator highly appreciated reform efforts undertaken by the interim government, noting that the process is very robust.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its fact-finding report shared recommendations in some specific areas including accountability and justice, police and security; civic space, political system and economic governance.
The UN human rights office recommended Bangladesh to refrain from political party bans undermining democracy and disenfranchising part of the electorate.
In the fact-finding report, the UN observed that political party bans would undermine a return to a "genuine multiparty democracy" and effectively disenfranchise a large part of the Bangladeshi electorate.
The UNRC, however, said she is not going to comment on the political positioning of Awami League or BNP, stressing that the UN is not involved in politics.
Extending UN's support for a credible and peaceful election, UNRC Lewis said for the UN inclusive election means every segment of the society should be able to vote and everyone should have access and ability to participate in the election.
She said inclusiveness for the UN is very specifically about every Bangladeshi having a voice.
Responding to a question on the truth and healing process, Lewis said: "Our advice on truth and healing would be very strong national consultations with the people of Bangladesh to hear their voices and thoughts and how they see the future."
She, however, said it is very difficult to say what path should be taken until the consultation with the people in the country is finalized.
She added: "There needs to be a lot more consultations."
The UN Human Rights Office will soon open an office in Bangladesh to support the country as it undergoes reforms in various sectors, including the political, bureaucratic, police, and judicial systems, she said.
"We understand from the government that an MoU is finalized. We are waiting to sign it soon," she further said.
"That means we will be able to open an Office of the Human Commissioner for Human Rights soon to support a lot of the processes that are underway," Lewis added.
The UN Fact-Finding Mission last year submitted a report on the human rights violations highlighting the events of July and August, 2024.
The report said that about 1400 people were killed during the July-August uprising and in the aftermath.