UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has renewed his appeal for transparent, inclusive and credible elections, in Bangladesh. He said transparent, inclusive and credible elections are only possible in a secure and safe environment for campaigning.Spokesman for the Secretary-General Stéphane Dujarric said this at a regular briefing at the UN headquarters on Wednesday.About attacks on the motorcade of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, the Spokesperson said, “We’re aware that the responsible authorities are investigating the incidents.” Earlier in a statement on April 4, the Spokesman said Ban Ki-moon welcomed the de-escalation of violence in Bangladesh in the past weeks.The Spokesperson added that the Secretary-General is encouraged by the opposition’s decision to participate in the city council elections for Dhaka and Chittagong, scheduled for 28 April, and he appealed to the authorities in all relevant institutions to ensure that the elections will be transparent, inclusive, and credible.The Secretary-General hoped that political parties will soon find a way to overcome their differences for the sake of the country’s long-term development and stability and that the United Nations remains fully committed to supporting Bangladesh in that regard.
