A top US official today stressed need of transparent probe into “allegations” of irregularities surrounding the recently concluded city polls.

Wendy Sherman, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, now in Dhaka for the fourth US-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue, also voiced disappointment at the irregularities and polls-boycott of major opponent candidates.

City elections to Chittagong and the two halves of Dhaka were held on April 28 amid widespread evidences of rigging and BNP blessed candidates boycotting the polls.

It ended as a victory for the candidates blessed by the ruling Awami League.

“I think where everyone needs to focus on [that] to have a transparent investigation into those irregularities making sure that the next elections are highly improved. This is very important for democracy,” Sherman said.

She said they remain focused on a long-term solution that accommodates all parties and allows the Bangladeshi people to peacefully express their views.

Sherman was talking to journalists at a crowded press conference at state guesthouse Meghna on the outcome of the partnership dialogue between Bangladesh and USA.

Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque, secretary to Maritime Affairs Unit, Rear Admiral (retd) M Khurshed Alam, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal, US Ambassador Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat, Foreign Ministry DG (Americas) Muhammad Mahfuzur Rahman and DG (EP) S Bodiuzzaman were present.