US disappointed over reported irregularities in KCC polls

The United States has expressed disappointment over reported irregularities and intimidation in Tuesday's Khulna City Corporation elections but congratulated all the parties on making the elections inclusive.

US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat made the observation on Wednesday saying it is very encouraging that a wide range of political parties participated in the polls. "I congratulate everyone."

Expressing disappointment over the reported irregularities, the US envoy says it necessitates transparent investigation and the reported irregularities and intimidation are "very disappointing".

She encouraged all parties to stay with the boundary of the rule of law in the future elections as pledged.

The US envoy was speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after her hour-long meeting with Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque.

Meanwhile, the United Nations at its regular briefing on Tuesday reiterated its call for holding free and fair elections in Bangladesh.

Awami League-nominated mayor candidate Talukder Abdul Khaleque won the Khulna City Corporation polls with a big margin on Tuesday.

But, BNP alleged that the KCC elections were marred by irregularities, including ballot stuffing and driving out polling agents of the rival group while ruling party criticised BNP for misleading people and asked the party to take a lesson from the Khulna City Corporation elections.