\\\'UK voices disappointment over BD\\\'s Jan-5 polls\\\'

British Prime Minister David Cameron has expressed UK’s disappointment over the January-5 national elections in Bangladesh and laid emphasis on an open society and political system in which democratic political participation and media freedoms are respected. ‘The PM noted our disappointment over the January 2014 Bangladesh elections with more than half of constituencies uncontested,’ said Downing Street spokesperson following a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in London. The two Prime Ministers spoke about eliminating child marriage, January’s Bangladesh elections, development goals and the Bangladeshi diaspora, said the spokesperson. Hasina and Cameron also agreed to work together on post-2015 development goals. Finally, they welcomed the important role of the Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK and the contribution they make to its cultural and economic life. Cameron met Prime Minister Hasina ahead of the Girl Summit. The British PM welcomed Bangladesh’s commitment to eliminating child marriage and the two leaders agreed on the need for a strong follow up on this commitment. Hasina also discussed the latest work on empowering and educating women and girls in Bangladesh. Earlier, at a press conference on PM’s UK visit, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali said the British government wants to strengthen its relations with Bangladesh on all fronts to help Bangladesh take its development trajectory to a newer height, according to UNB.