Dhaka, Nov. 13 -- Germany's ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr Rudiger Lotz, has expressed optimism that Bangladesh will soon rejoin the ranks of vibrant democracies as it prepares for what he described as "the world's largest democratic election" in 2026, when more than 127 million citizens are expected to vote.

"At a time when democracy faces challenges across many regions of the world, Bangladesh's election will serve as proof - to quote Abraham Lincoln - that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth," said Dr. Lotz.

He made the remarks on Wednesday evening at an event hosted by the German Embassy in Dhaka, marking the 35th anniversary of German reunification.

The envoy praised the interim go...