UN suspends technical aid to electoral process in B'desh

Dhaka, Jan 11 (UNI) The United Nations has suspended all technical support to the electoral process in Bangladesh and closed down its International Coordination Office for Election Observers there.

The decision came in the wake of major opposition political parties' decision to boycott the January 22 parliamentary elections.

''The political crisis in Bangladesh has severely jeopardized the legitimacy of the electoral process,'' a spokesman for the UN secretary general in New York said.

He said the announced cancellation of numerous international observation missions is ''regrettable''.

In a statement, the spokesman said the United Nations is deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in the country, and urged all parties to refrain from the use of violence.

The UN hoped that the Army will continue to play a neutral role, and those responsible for enforcing the law will act with ''restraint and respect'' for human rights.

The UN urged the non-party caretaker government and Election Commission to create a level playing field and ensure parties can have confidence in the electoral process.

The spokesman said the United Nations was concerned that Bangladesh's democratic advances and international standing will be negatively affected if the current crisis continues.

It urged all concerned to seek a compromise that will serve the interests of peace, democracy and the country's overall well-being.

The European Union, US-based NDI and IRI also decided to suspend election observation misssions.

The mainstream opposition alliance headed by Awami League president Sheikh Hasina pulled out from the race on January 3, alleging the present caretaker government and the Election Commission ''are biased toward former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's four-party alliance''.

The boycotting alliance said the elections under President Iajuddin Ahmed's administration will not be free and fair. They demanded resignation of Mr Ahmed from the office of Chief Advisor of the caretaker government and fresh election by correcting the ''fake voters'' list.

The alliance also announced six days' road blockade and general strike from January 14 to resist what they called ''one-sided'' election.

Former Prime Minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, whose four-party alliance is joining the election, accused her opponents of ''frustrating'' the democratic process in the country by boycotting the election. She said despite boycott, the election must be held on January 22 to continue the constituional rule.

UNI