UN criticises Bangladesh rivals over deadly election

The United Nations today criticised Bangladesh's two main political parties for country's deadly national election.
UN leader Ban Ki-moon "is saddened by the loss of life and incidents of violence that marred yesterday's parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, which were characterised by polarization and low participation," said UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq.
"He regrets that the parties did not reach the kind of agreements which could have produced a peaceful, all-inclusive election outcome," the spokesman added.
At least 26 people were killed in Bangladesh's most violent poll since independence. The ruling Awami League of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina claimed a landslide win after the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party staged a boycott.

Ban "calls on all sides to exercise restraint and ensure first and foremost a peaceful and conducive environment, where people can maintain their right to assembly and expression," said Haq.
Violence "can never be acceptable," added the spokesman who said Ban called for the two parties "to resume meaningful dialogue and to urgently address the expectations of the people of Bangladesh for an inclusive political process.