UN for probing city polls ‘allegations’

In view of the freshly concluded dodgy mayor elections in Bangladesh, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for probe into those allegations.

“The Secretary General reiterates his call on all political leaders to find a peaceful resolution to the current situation,” UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said in a press briefing.

“The Secretary-General is aware of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s decision to boycott the Dhaka and Chittagong elections amid allegations of electoral fraud.”

He encourages the competent authorities to investigate all allegations and the opposition to use the democratic institutions to express its concerns,” he said.

“He appeals to all parties to express their differences through peaceful means.  The Secretary General reiterates his call on all political leaders to find a peaceful resolution to the current situation,” he added.

Mayor elections to two halves of Dhaka and Chittagong cities concluded yesterday sans the main opposition BNP supported candidates and amid mass irregularities.

Media were barred from most polling stations and it was eventually the ruling Awami League blessed candidates who have emerged as the likely mayors of the cities.

In view of the widespread reports of irregularities, the United States and UK yesterday called for swift, impartial and clear probe into the “allegations of irregularities.”

They both urged all parties involved “to work within the law and avoid violence at all costs.”