UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Monday called on Bangladesh political parties to urgently address the expectations of the country’s people for an inclusive democratic process after the elections that were boycotted by opposition parties. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Farhan Haq, the UN chief expressed sadness at the loss of life and violent incidents that marred Sunday’s parliamentary elections, which were characterized by polarization and low participation.“He regrets that the parties did not reach the kind of agreements which could have produced a peaceful, all-inclusive election outcome,” the statement said in which he shied away from endorsing the Bangladesh polls.
The secretary-general called on all sides to exercise restraint and ensure first and foremost a peaceful and conducive environment, where people can maintain their right to assembly and expression. “Violence and attacks on people and property can never be acceptable,” he said.
The Secretary-General called on the political parties to resume meaningful dialogue and to urgently address the expectations of the people of Bangladesh for an inclusive political process. “The UN will continue to support the country’s democratic processes in accordance with the principles of inclusiveness, non-violence, reconciliation and dialogue,” he said. – AFP via Google
