United Nations: The UN chief Ban Ki-moon has expressed regret over the failure of Bangladesh’s political parties to produce a “peaceful, all-inclusive election” and called for a meaningful dialogue to resolve the deadlock that has left over 160 people dead.
The UN Secretary General expressed sadness at the loss of life and violent incidents that has marred the country’s parliamentary elections, characterised by polarisation and low participation.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League won 104 of the 147 seats for which polling was held on Sunday. Having won 127 seats uncontested, the party now has 231 seats, giving it a clear three-fourth majority in the 10th parliament.
The BNP-led 18-party opposition alliance boycotted the polls that were marred by violence which claimed nearly 30 lives since Saturday.
Opposition cadres set over 200 polling stations on fire on polling day. Political violence during strikes enforced by the opposition since November have left over 160 people dead.
“He (Ban) regrets that the parties did not reach the kind of agreements which could have produced a peaceful, all-inclusive election outcome,” a statement issued by his spokesperson said.
Ban asked all sides to exercise restraint and ensure 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 UN chief asked the political parties to resume meaningful dialogue and 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.
Acting Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Farhan Haq told reporters earlier that it is up to the people of Bangladesh to “assess the credibility” of the elections.
“The United Nations neither administered nor observed these elections. The vast majority of Bangladeshi people want peaceful and inclusive elections,” he said.
Hasina asserted on Monday that her re-election in the much-disputed polls was legitimate and appealed to her arch-rival, BNP chief Khaleda Zia, to shun “terrorism” and severe ties with the fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami to strike a deal on the next elections.
Hasina said fresh elections might be arranged if the Awami League and BNP, led by former Prime Minister Zia, were able to reach a consensus.
Meanwhile, the Commonwealth of Nations also said that the elections were “disappointing” due to limited participation and added that the acts of violence are “deeply troubling” and “unacceptable”.
“It is critical that Bangladesh moves quickly to find a path forward through dialogue to a more inclusive and peaceful political process in which the will of the people can be fully expressed,” Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma said in a statement. (PTI)
