By Arul Louis

United Nations, Jan 1 (IANS): Welcoming the participation of the Bangladesh opposition in elections for the first time in ten years, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on all parties to address their complaints about the election in a peaceful manner.

His spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement on Monday that the UN was aware of the violent incidents and reports of irregularities in the country's elections on Sunday.

"We regret the loss of life and injuries sustained by candidates and voters during the electoral campaign and on election-day," he said. "Violence and attacks on people and property are not acceptable."

"We call on all sides to exercise restraint and ensure a peaceful post electoral environment, where people can maintain their right to assembly and expression," he added.

"We encourage the parties to address electoral complaints in a peaceful manner and through legal means," he said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling Awami Party won a landslide victory with 288 of the 300 seats.

The opposition alliance, Jatiya Oikya Front, led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who is jailed on corruption charges, called the elections "farcical" and demanded a repoll.

Her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is the main constituent of the Front, which won just seven seats.

At least 17 people were killed clashes between the ruling and opposition parties on Sunday.