Concerned Secretary-General urges level playing field in Bangladesh polls

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

The Secretary-General continues to be concerned about the situation in Bangladesh in the lead-up to next month’s elections.  He hopes that all parties will make the necessary compromises to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral environment.

He calls upon the non-party caretaker Government to ensure a level playing field for the elections, particularly through the restoration of confidence in the Bangladesh Election Commission.  And he encourages the main political parties to work to overcome their differences in the interest of democracy.

The Secretary-General appreciates the efforts by political parties to refrain from the use of violence in their programmes and he urges continued restraint.  He also hopes the Army will continue to play a neutral role, thereby creating an environment conducive to peaceful elections.

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For information media • not an official record