Dhaka, June 15 -- The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) has termed Bangladesh's 2026 parliamentary elections and referendum a "democratic milestone", while urging further reforms to strengthen and safeguard the country's democratic progress.

The observation and assessment were published in the group's final report, the Commonwealth said in a statement on Monday.

The COG particularly lauded the large-scale rollout of postal voting for diaspora voters and individuals in lawful custody, praising the initiative as a significant step towards reinforcing the inclusivity of the national electoral system.

Headed by Nana Akufo-Addo, the former president of Ghana, the 13-member delegation comprised eminent dignitaries spanning Asia, Africa, the ...