To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made towards free and fair elections in Bangladesh; and if he will make a statement. (243878)

The Chief Election Commissioner of Bangladesh has announced that the national election will take place on 29 December. The parties have now submitted their nominations for the election. International observer missions are now in Bangladesh.

The caretaker Government have announced that the state of emergency will be lifted on 17 December. The people of Bangladesh are looking forward to choosing a new Government.