Moscow to cooperate with new govt, regrets BNP\\\'s polls boycott

Russia has expressed its readiness to continue constructive partnership with the new Bangladesh government set to be sworn in today (Sunday) while it regretted the main opposition BNP boycotting the polls, the state-run ITAR-TASS news agency reported Saturday, reports BSS.

"Russia confirms that it is ready to continue constructive partnership with a government, which will be formed soon," the news agency said quoting a foreign ministry statement of the country.

It said the foreign ministry statement issued on Thursday regretted that key opposition parties in Bangladesh boycotted the parliamentary elections.

"We hope that the authorities and the opposition will not go beyond the constitution in order to ensure stability and strengthen democratic institutions in the country," the statement read.

The report described Bangladesh's January 5 polls as "the bloodiest ones" noting that the protesters threw incendiary bottles to polling stations, torched them and took away ballots

while at east 17 people "fall victims of the protest actions"

UNB adds: China has been following the political situation in Bangladesh and hoped that the political parties here would give priority to political stability, social harmony and economic growth considering the country's fundamental interests.

"We've noted that the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh concluded on January 5. As a friend and neighbour of Bangladesh, China follows the situation there…," said Hua Chunying, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, in a regular briefing in Beijing on January 9.

She came up with the remark when a questioner sought China's comment on the evolving situation in Bangladesh.

Chunying also said China hopes that political forces in Bangladesh could realise political stability, social tranquility and economic growth through dialogue and consultation with the long-term and fundamental interests of the country in mind.