British High Commissioner in Dhaka Robert W Gibson on Tuesday expressed his disappointment that the BNP felt it had to withdraw its endorsed candidates from the City Corporation elections partway through voting.

In a statement after the elections, he expressed his hope that the decision would not result in violence or disruption in Dhaka and
Chittagong tonight and over the next few days.

“All parties must ensure that their response to today’s events remains within the law. It’ll be important that all allegations of
irregularity are investigated swiftly and impartially,” he said.

The responsibility, Gibson said, remains with all parties, the Election Commission, and law enforcement agencies, to ensure that
elections can take place in an ordered atmosphere to allow all voters the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.

“Those candidates who are successful in being elected should seek to serve the needs and wishes of all the voters in both cities,” said
the diplomat.

Earlier in the morning, he reiterated his hope that the city elections would end peacefully, without any harassment, disruption and violence.

He said this while talking to reporters at Banani Biddyaniketon School and College after visiting the centre. The diplomat visited a
selected number of poling centres.

Responding to a question, Gibson said if anybody has any objections he should lodge complaints with the Election Commission.

He said he talked to presiding officers and they informed him that the election was being held peacefully.

On Monday, Gibson tweeted, "Hope, tomorrow's (Tuesday's) election in Dhaka and Chittagong will take place without violence or intimidation and allows opportunity for democratic choice."

The elections to three city corporations in Dhaka and Chittagong began at 8 am Tuesday.

UNB/LY