Online Desk: Japan has welcomed Bangladesh polls, noting that overall the election was generally conducted peacefully.

However, it noted that “some irregularities” were reported in the general election.

“As far as our mission was able to observe, the election process was conducted in accordance with procedures,” said Press Secretary Kobayashi Maki in a statement on Wednesday.

On the other hand, Japan regretted that there were incidents of violence with casualties in the process leading up to the general election.

Japan hoped that Bangladesh, as a strategic partner, will make progress in its efforts for further development as a democratic nation.

“Japan intends to continue to support Bangladesh for its development and prosperity, and further develop the bilateral relationship,” the statement reads.

On January 8, Bangladesh Election Commission announced the result of the 12th general elections held on January 7.

From Japan, an election observer mission headed by Watanabe Masato, former Ambassador to Bangladesh, consisting of officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh as well as an outside expert, conducted monitoring activities on site.