UN urges unity among Bangladesh’s political forces

The United Nations has congratulated Bangladesh on holding the elections and a referendum and reiterated its commitment to supporting Bangladesh in its effort to build a peaceful and prosperous future.

"The Secretary-General (Antonio Guterres), as he does often after many elections, encourages all political stakeholders to build on the momentum so as to strengthen national cohesion, uphold the democratic norms and the rule of law," Spokesman for the Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric told reporters at a regular briefing at the UN headquarters on Friday, February 13.

The UN chief encouraged all political stakeholders to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by all, and to protect minorities as the country advances its transition and pursues inclusive and sustainable reform.

"Look, we were not observers to the elections, so it's not for us to give a grade, so to speak, if that's the intent of your question. What I can tell you is that we, of course, congratulate the people of Bangladesh for holding the elections, legislative elections and a referendum," said the spokesman while responding to a question.

"But we continue to be committed to supporting Bangladesh in its effort to build a peaceful and prosperous future," he added.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday had telephone conversations with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizen Party chief Nahid Islam, and called on everyone to work together to fulfil the expectations of the people of Bangladesh.

He thanked them for playing a responsible role after the election and expressed optimism that the political parties would continue to play a similarly cooperative and positive role in the future to continue the democratic trend.

The Election Commission (EC) has already published the two separate gazette notifications of the 297 Members of Parliament.

Earlier on Thursday last, the voting was held in 299 out of 300 constituencies across the country in the 13th parliamentary election and referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025.

The election in Sherpur-3 constituency was earlier cancelled following the death of a contesting candidate.

The EC on Friday announced the unofficial results of 297 constituencies and kept the results of Chattogram-2 and 4 constituencies postponed in line with the court orders.

Source: UNB