, April 28 -- Chief observer of European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) Ivars Ijabs on Tuesday identified six priority recommendations for Bangladesh, noting that more efforts are needed to foster accountability and electoral inclusion.

"Now, it is time to turn the focus to the reform process to strengthen transparency and rule of law, to show political will in promoting women in public and political life and to foster an environment for a pluralistic and secure public debate, both online and offline," Ijabs said at a press briefing at a city hotel in the afternoon.

Women candidates were almost absent from these elections, signaling a lack of political will to promote women in decision making positions, said the Mission.

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