Bangladesh Elections

The Australian Government is pleased that authorities in Bangladesh have chosen to postpone the national elections that were planned for 22 January.

To have held the elections in spite of a planned boycott by opposition parties would have meant such elections would have lacked credibility and been unacceptable to Australia and the international community.

I welcome the decision of President Iajuddin to appoint a new Chief Adviser as caretaker, pending the formation of a new government, and encourage the new Chief Adviser to ensure the rescheduled elections are free, fair and held in a timely and peaceful manner, with the participation of all political parties.

The situation in Bangladesh remains fragile and the Australian Government urges all parties to work together to ensure the interests of all Bangladeshis are upheld.

We will continue to monitor developments.

Media Inquiries: Mr Downer's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555