UN chief for credible city polls

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said transparent, inclusive, and credible city elections are possible in a secure and safe environment for campaigning in Bangladesh.

“The secretary general reiterates his appeal for transparent, inclusive, and credible elections, which are only possible in a secure and safe environment for campaigning,” Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General, said yesterday.

Asked about the reported attacks on the motorcade of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, the spokesman said “UN is aware that the responsible authorities are investigating into the incidents.”

The UN has been calling for a peaceful solution to the political crisis through dialogue between two main political parties since the BNP-led alliance announced nationwide blockade and hartal which resulted in killing of nearly 100 people, mostly in arson attacks.

In a statement issued on April 4, the UN chief called upon the authorities concerned to ensure that the elections to Dhaka and Chittagong city corporations will be transparent, inclusive and credible.

Ban Ki-moon was encouraged by the opposition’s decision to participate in the city corporation elections, and welcomed the de-escalation of violence in Bangladesh in the past weeks.

He has asked Assistant Secretary General Oscar Fernández to liaise with the government and opposition leaders for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.