9 donors to fund Tk 345cr

Nine major development partners will provide Tk 345 crore for the Election Commission (EC) to prepare the voter list with photographs for holding credible elections.
The European Commission, DFID, the Netherlands, UNDP, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark and Korea will provide the support through a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project called "Preparation of Electoral Roll with Photograph (PERP)". The project will be implemented by the EC.
UNDP signed an agreement to this effect yesterday with the Election Commission and the Economic Relations Division (ERD), said a press release.
The PERP project will help establish the technical infrastructure and other requirements necessary to complete the voter list with photos.
This includes funding the ICT equipment, such as laptops, webcams and fingerprint scanners, required for completing the nationwide digital voter registration.
The project will also establish and strengthen the system necessary to update the voter list with photos following the next parliamentary elections.
UNDP Country Director Manoj Basnyat said a credible and widely acceptable voter list is needed for a free and fair election.
"The support of nine major development partners indicates strong international commitment to assist the government in its effort to hold a peaceful and successful election,” he added.