The United Nations (UN) has called on all parties to exercise restraint and ensure a peaceful post polls environment which is conducive for people’s rights to express.

In response to a query on the Dec 30 Bangladesh election, Stephane Dujarric, the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, urged all sides to ensure peaceful post electoral environment, where people can maintain their right to assembly and expression.

He also encouraged parties to address electoral complaints peacefully through legal means.

“Violence and attacks on people and property are not acceptable,” he said.

Dujarric said that the UN is aware of violent incidents and reports of irregularities in the recently concluded Bangladesh polls.

“We regret the loss of life and injuries sustained by candidates and voters during the electoral campaign and on election day,” he said before adding, “We welcome the participation of the opposition in elections for the first time in 10 years.”