British envoy criticises lack of probe into irregularities

British High Commissioner in Dhaka Robert Gibson has expressed disappointment over incidents of irregularities, disruptions and interference in the city corporation elections that were not investigated.

He was addressing a programme of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) titled "DCAB Talk" at Jatiya Press Club in the capital yesterday.

Gibson said he had welcomed the elections as there was no indication of violence and disruption.

But later, the situation changed and social media and the press reported disruptions and violence, he added.

Replying to a query, Gibson said it was unfortunate that the BNP chose not to participate in the elections.

He hoped the three elected mayors can operate with the same vision of mayors in the UK and improve Dhaka and Chittagong.

Regarding democracy, the diplomat said one of the major achievements of Bangladesh is that the country had returned to democracy despite having several periods of non-democratic rules in the past.