Inclusive polls in Bangladesh UN's priority

The UN has said it gives priority to an inclusive, credible and transparent election in Bangladesh.

“Our priorities are the need for the elections in Bangladesh to be inclusive, credible and transparent, so we'll continue to study the arrangements and see whether those particular priorities are upheld, so that will be what we're weighing as we consider what the appropriate timing would be,” said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN secretary-general.

Talking to journalists in a regular briefing at the UN headquarters in New York on Friday, Haq said the United Nations was aware of the latest developments on the ground and were monitoring it.

He made the comments in response to a query regarding the parliamentary polls schedule, the opposition's demand for creating a level playing field and the UN's stance.

His comments on the issue came at a time when the participation of all political parties in the December 23 election was still uncertain. The ruling Awami League has started their election preparation and is selling nomination forms to lawmaker aspirants.

However, the BNP-led opposition parties are still on the street mobilising public support in favour of its seven-point demand for holding the polls under a nonpartisan election-time government after the dissolution of parliament. The BNP and its allies are yet to clear its stance on their participation in the poll.

In an address to the nation, Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda on Thursday unveiled the election schedule. Urging all political parties to join the polls, he announced that the Jatiya Sangsad election would be held on December 23.