Secretary-General concerned by Bangladesh violence

related to forthcoming national elections

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is concerned by the violence in Bangladesh related to the forthcoming national elections and the transitional arrangements.

He hopes that the efforts of President Iajuddin Ahmed, who has assumed additional responsibilities as Head of the Caretaker Government, to consult with the main political parties to find a way out of the present crisis will bring about the desired results.

The Secretary-General appeals to the major political forces in Bangladesh to work together to find a common ground for the elections acting in the interest of democracy and the welfare of the entire nation.

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For information media • not an official record