Switzerland yesterday deplored the violence that occurred before and during the December 30 general election, and stressed the need for addressing electoral irregularities in a fully transparent manner.

Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh René Holenstein stated this when he met Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque yesterday.

According to a media release available in the Swiss embassy website, the ambassador told the foreign secretary that Switzerland took note of the results of 11th parliamentary election and commended all parties for their participation in the process.

He condemned the violence that occurred before and during the elections, causing unnecessary suffering and pain.

Ambassador Holenstein referred to reported accounts of intimidation, irregularities and obstacles to a level playing field throughout the process, which have tainted the electoral campaign and the vote, and underlined the need to address these reports in full transparency and according to the rule of law.

The ambassador stressed that Switzerland trusts that the new government of Bangladesh will uphold the democratic values it was elected upon, and that it will support the people's will to move towards democracy in full respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

He assured the foreign secretary that Switzerland looked forward to its continued partnership with Bangladesh.