The United Nations has urged all sides in Bangladesh to exercise restraint and ensure a peaceful post electoral environment, where people can maintain their right to assembly and expression.
In a statement, the UN Spokesperson's office said: "The United Nations is aware of violent incidents and reports of irregularities in the Bangladesh general elections. We regret the loss of life and injuries sustained by candidates and voters during the electoral campaign and on election-day."
This has come close on the heels of Bangladesh's ruling Awami League securing a landslide victory in the general elections, an outcome rejected by opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) which demanded fresh polls. The UN said further: "We encourage the parties to address electoral complaints in a peaceful manner and through legal means," the UN urged, adding that "violence and attacks on people and property are not acceptable."
United Nations, which is an international body of countries across the world, also welcomed the participation of the opposition in elections for the first time in 10 years. The election was marred by violence, in which 17 people were killed. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League and its allies won the general elections. They bagged 288 of the total 299 seats which went to the polls.
