UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Monday said he is saddened by deadly election violence in Bangladesh, and urged all the political parties to address the expectations of the country's people for inclusive political process while resume a meaningful dialogue.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ban expressed sadness at the loss of life and violent incidents that marred the country's parliamentary elections.
"He regrets that the parties did not reach the kind of agreements which could have produced a peaceful, all-inclusive election outcome," the statement said.
The UN chief called on all sides to exercise restraint and ensure first and foremost a peaceful and conducive environment, where people can maintain their rights to assembly and expression.
"Violence and attacks on people and property can never be acceptable," said the statement, stressing that the UN will continue to support the country's democratic processes in accordance with the principles of inclusiveness, non-violence, reconciliation and dialogue.
Bangladesh on Sunday started voting for general elections, which, however, were plagued by widespread violence and opposition boycott over Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's refusal to heed opposition demands to step down and appoint a neutral caretaker to oversee the elections.
More than 20 people were killed in the election-related violence.
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