The United States and the United Nations on Thursday raised concerns over the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-leaders-are-trying-to-meddle-upcoming-bangladesh-elections-rab-chief-186855">looming general election in Bangladesh</a> as the opposition said hundreds more activists had been arrested and attacked.

The South Asian nation's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina used the last full day of campaigning to call for a record fourth term from Sunday's vote.

The opposition, whose main leader Khaleda Zia is in jail, said the election would not be free and fair.

The US ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller said opposition parties have been the target of most of the deadly violence that has tarnished the campaign. He raised US worries in a meeting with election commission chief, KM Nurul Huda.

"I asked for this meeting because the United States is concerned by the high level of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-election-campaign-marred-by-violence-ends-with-opposition-fearing-unfair-voting-186839">campaign violence</a> over the last two weeks. All parties have been victims of violence, including minorities and female candidates," Miller said in a statement.

"However, it appears opposition party candidates have borne the brunt of most violence."

Miller said he had questioned the election commission on its security plans for voting day.

Everyone in Bangladesh must be able to vote "without harassment, intimidation, or violence", added the ambassador, whose country called off an election observer mission that it financed because visas were not given. Bangladesh has denied that it refused permission.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also appealed for calm.

Guterres "calls on all stakeholders to ensure an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion before, during and after the elections, so as to enable a peaceful, credible and inclusive poll", said a spokesman for the UN chief.

Bangladeshis "must feel safe and confident in exercising their right to vote", he added.

Thousands of flag-waving supporters of Hasina's ruling Awami League marched in Dhaka and other cities bringing the traffic-choked streets of the capital to a standstill ahead of the official close of campaigning early Friday.

The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party said it had been prevented from holding its closing rally in Dhaka. Thousands of its supporters were allowed to march through the northern city of Sylhet, however.

The BNP said eight of its supporters had been killed in election clashes, while police said two from the Awami League had also been killed since the campaign opened on November 8.

The opposition party said hundreds more of its supporters were detained Thursday.

'Blind' opposition

The BNP and its Islamist ally Jamaat-e-Islami now say more than 12,800 of their followers have been arrested and thousands of activists, including candidates, injured in attacks by ruling party followers.

Hasina has shrugged off opposition complaints of authoritarianism and said she needs more time to implement ambitious economic plans.

Amid a flurry of late campaign appearances on Wednesday, Hasina said the "BNP-Jamaat alliance carried out bomb attacks in 88 constituencies".

"There is no doubt that the people will surely reject them," she said.

Hasina focused her final speeches on Bangladesh's impressive economic growth over the past decade.

She has promised to increase annual growth to 9.0 per cent from the current 7.8 per cent, expand electricity coverage and put the country on course to raise average income to more than $5,400 by 2030.

Hasina slammed the opposition for failing to recognise her achievements. "They are blind despite having eyes," she said.

The Awami League leader won a landslide victory in 2008 and the BNP boycotted the 2014 election -- saying it was not free and fair -- gifting her a return to power.

But since her last victory, civil society and rights groups have accused Hasina's government of silencing dissent and muzzling the press.

BNP leader Zia, longstanding arch-rival of the prime minister, was jailed for 17 years this year on graft charges.

"The election process has turned into a farce," BNP spokesman Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, adding that attacks on party activists were "sponsored by the state itself".

The United States and the United Nations on Thursday raised concerns over the looming general election in Bangladesh as the opposition said hundreds more activists had been arrested and attacked.

The United States and the United Nations on Thursday raised concerns over the looming general election in Bangladesh as the opposition said hundreds more activists had been arrested and attacked. The South Asian nation's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina used the last full day of campaigning to call for a record fourth term from Sunday's vote. The opposition, whose main leader Khaleda Zia is in jail, said the election would not be free and fair. The US ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller said opposition parties have been the target of most of the deadly violence that has tarnished the campaign. He raised US worries in a meeting with election commission chief, KM Nurul Huda. "I asked for this meeting because the United States is concerned by the high level of campaign violence over the last two weeks. All parties have been victims of violence, including minorities and female candidates," Miller said in a statement. "However, it appears opposition party candidates have borne the brunt of most violence." Miller said he had questioned the election commission on its security plans for voting day. Everyone in Bangladesh must be able to vote "without harassment, intimidation, or violence", added the ambassador, whose country called off an election observer mission that it financed because visas were not given. Bangladesh has denied that it refused permission. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also appealed for calm. Guterres "calls on all stakeholders to ensure an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion before, during and after the elections, so as to enable a peaceful, credible and inclusive poll", said a spokesman for the UN chief. Bangladeshis "must feel safe and confident in exercising their right to vote", he added. Thousands of flag-waving supporters of Hasina's ruling Awami League marched in Dhaka and other cities bringing the traffic-choked streets of the capital to a standstill ahead of the official close of campaigning early Friday. The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party said it had been prevented from holding its closing rally in Dhaka. Thousands of its supporters were allowed to march through the northern city of Sylhet, however. The BNP said eight of its supporters had been killed in election clashes, while police said two from the Awami League had also been killed since the campaign opened on November 8. The opposition party said hundreds more of its supporters were detained Thursday. 'Blind' opposition The BNP and its Islamist ally Jamaat-e-Islami now say more than 12,800 of their followers have been arrested and thousands of activists, including candidates, injured in attacks by ruling party followers. Hasina has shrugged off opposition complaints of authoritarianism and said she needs more time to implement ambitious economic plans. Amid a flurry of late campaign appearances on Wednesday, Hasina said the "BNP-Jamaat alliance carried out bomb attacks in 88 constituencies". "There is no doubt that the people will surely reject them," she said. Hasina focused her final speeches on Bangladesh's impressive economic growth over the past decade. She has promised to increase annual growth to 9.0 per cent from the current 7.8 per cent, expand electricity coverage and put the country on course to raise average income to more than $5,400 by 2030. Hasina slammed the opposition for failing to recognise her achievements. "They are blind despite having eyes," she said. The Awami League leader won a landslide victory in 2008 and the BNP boycotted the 2014 election -- saying it was not free and fair -- gifting her a return to power. But since her last victory, civil society and rights groups have accused Hasina's government of silencing dissent and muzzling the press. BNP leader Zia, longstanding arch-rival of the prime minister, was jailed for 17 years this year on graft charges. "The election process has turned into a farce," BNP spokesman Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, adding that attacks on party activists were "sponsored by the state itself".

US, UN raise concerns over violence ahead of Bangladesh election

Bangladesh will go to polls this Sunday, December 30, to pick its next government. Incumbent prime minister Sheikh Hasina seems to have an edge in the electoral tussle, some even suggest her comeback for a record fourth time. &nbsp;

But, Hasina' campaign faces a threat from Pakistan. In the past few weeks, WION has reported serious claims of election meddling in the neighbouring country.

Now, the government of Bangladesh has unearthed a plot to pump in huge sums of money to tilt the scales against Hasina in the upcoming polls. Country's anti-crime and anti-terrorism unit, the Rapid Action Battalion, claims to have seized local currency worth more than $20 million.&nbsp;

The agency claims to have raided the offices of United Corporation - a firm allegedly carrying out hawala transactions in connivance with a candidate belonging to the Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-are-bangladesh-elections-important-186782">Why are Bangladesh elections important?</a>

Reports suggest, Tarique Rahman, Zia's son and BNP's acting chairman, was engineering this funding operation with the help from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Rahman has been living in London under self-imposed exile.

Bangladesh's Opposition has been critical of PM Hasina's government. They say this election is not a fair fight. Three main Opposition parties, including Zia's BNP, have come together to contest this year's polls, they call themselves the United National Front.

The Opposition claims that more than 10,000 of their members have been rounded up and put in jail.

Since her return to power in 2008, Sheikh Hasina has led a campaign to uproot every terror module in Bangladesh.&nbsp;

In an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-and-isi-trying-to-sabotage-elections-with-bnp-help-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-to-wion-186762">exclusive interview with WION</a>, the Bangladeshi PM affirmed that Bangladesh believes in zero tolerance for terrorism in the country, indirectly hinting at Pakistan’s soil being misused by terror groups to promote terrorism on foreign land.&nbsp;

“There is zero tolerance for terrorism in our country. We are working with other countries, especially with our neighbouring countries, to counter terrorism across the country. Terrorism is a global problem and all stakeholders should work with each other. One thing we are sure of and have taken steps towards is that we are not going to allow our land to promote terrorism on foreign soil,” said Hasina.&nbsp;

Bangladesh will go to polls this Sunday, December 30, to pick its next government. Incumbent prime minister Sheikh Hasina seems to have an edge in the electoral tussle, some even suggest her comeback for a record fourth time.

Bangladesh will go to polls this Sunday, December 30, to pick its next government. Incumbent prime minister Sheikh Hasina seems to have an edge in the electoral tussle, some even suggest her comeback for a record fourth time. But, Hasina' campaign faces a threat from Pakistan. In the past few weeks, WION has reported serious claims of election meddling in the neighbouring country. Now, the government of Bangladesh has unearthed a plot to pump in huge sums of money to tilt the scales against Hasina in the upcoming polls. Country's anti-crime and anti-terrorism unit, the Rapid Action Battalion, claims to have seized local currency worth more than $20 million. The agency claims to have raided the offices of United Corporation - a firm allegedly carrying out hawala transactions in connivance with a candidate belonging to the Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Also read: Why are Bangladesh elections important? Reports suggest, Tarique Rahman, Zia's son and BNP's acting chairman, was engineering this funding operation with the help from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Rahman has been living in London under self-imposed exile. Bangladesh's Opposition has been critical of PM Hasina's government. They say this election is not a fair fight. Three main Opposition parties, including Zia's BNP, have come together to contest this year's polls, they call themselves the United National Front. The Opposition claims that more than 10,000 of their members have been rounded up and put in jail. Since her return to power in 2008, Sheikh Hasina has led a campaign to uproot every terror module in Bangladesh. In an exclusive interview with WION, the Bangladeshi PM affirmed that Bangladesh believes in zero tolerance for terrorism in the country, indirectly hinting at Pakistan’s soil being misused by terror groups to promote terrorism on foreign land. “There is zero tolerance for terrorism in our country. We are working with other countries, especially with our neighbouring countries, to counter terrorism across the country. Terrorism is a global problem and all stakeholders should work with each other. One thing we are sure of and have taken steps towards is that we are not going to allow our land to promote terrorism on foreign soil,” said Hasina.

Bangladesh polls 2018: PM Hasina eyes another term; set to challenge Opposition, counter terrorism

New clashes marred the deadly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-bangladesh-election-results-will-impact-its-ties-with-india-186618">Bangladesh</a> election campaign on Wednesday as opposition leaders stepped up complaints over the organisation of what they consider a one-sided vote.

Youths on motorbikes carrying a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-election-violence-youths-carrying-awami-league-banner-attack-bnp-candidate-186668">banner of the ruling Awami League attacked an opposition </a>Bangladesh Nationalist Party candidate with knives, hours after a BNP leader was wounded in clashes between rival party activists, police said.

Habibur Rahman Habib, a BNP candidate for parliament, was attacked by 15 men on motorbikes in the northern town of Ishwardi on Wednesday, according to police.

"He was hacked three times on his thigh. He was grievously injured but is out of danger," local police chief Bahauddin Faruqi told AFP.

Late Tuesday, senior BNP leader Goyeshwar Roy was injured as BNP and Awami League activists clashed in Dhaka district, police superintendent S.M. Shafiur Rahman told AFP. Media images showed blood pouring down Roy's face.

The campaign for Sunday's vote has seen daily confrontations between supporters of the two main parties, which has further soured their bitter constitutional showdown.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is seeking a record fourth term, but her party has been accused of organising the arrest and intimidation of opposition candidates to boost her chances. The government denies any wrongdoing.

The BNP, whose leader Khaleda Zia is in jail, and its main Islamist ally claim more than 11,500 of their supporters have been detained since the election was called on November 8. Hundreds of their supporters have been injured in fighting, they say.

Thousands arrested

Six people -- four BNP supporters and two from the Awami League -- have been killed in the campaign violence.

The BNP-led opposition coalition demanded the resignation of the chief election commissioner Nurul Huda, accusing him of supporting ruling party followers in the unrest.

"It is not possible to get a non-partisan and neutral election from him and there is no possibility of fair treatment from him," opposition spokesman Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said.

Opposition parties walked out of a meeting with Huda late Tuesday, and have demanded a neutral election commissioner take over for Sunday's vote.

They say the mass arrest of their followers -- 8,243 from the BNP and 3,600 from the Jamaat-e-Islami -- was intended to create a "climate of fear".

Police have not confirmed the number of arrests during the campaign but insist all those detained had warrants against them.

"We never target any individual unless they break the law," said police spokesman Sohel Rana.

There was no comment from Chief Election Commissioner on the violence, but another election commissioner urged police "act neutrally and without discrimination to all."

"Don't take any undesirable action by being too enthusiastic," commissioner Mahbub Talukder said in a statement.

"Refrain from acting in a partisan manner in the polls. Uphold the dignity and righteousness of your uniform... I am worried over the growing number of incidents of clashes and violence ahead of the national election."

Hasina and Zia have been political foes since the introduction of democracy in 1991. They have traditionally alternated in power but Hasina's current rule has lasted since 2009 and Zia's jail term this year prevented her from taking part in the election.

The ruling party has emphasised the economic growth in Hasina's last 10 years in power to justify her reelection.

The BNP had hoped the deployment of 30,000 troops on Monday would improve security across the Muslim-majority country of 165 million.

But Ahmed said its candidates were attacked in 28 constituencies on Tuesday, leaving more than 100 people injured.

Hasina won a 2008 poll by a landslide and the BNP boycotted the 2014 election -- saying it was not free and fair -- gifting her a return to power.

Civil society and rights groups have accused Hasina's government of silencing dissent and muzzling the press through a strict digital-security law.

New clashes marred the deadly Bangladesh election campaign on Wednesday as opposition leaders stepped up complaints over the organisation of what they consider a one-sided vote.

New clashes marred the deadly Bangladesh election campaign on Wednesday as opposition leaders stepped up complaints over the organisation of what they consider a one-sided vote. Youths on motorbikes carrying a banner of the ruling Awami League attacked an opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party candidate with knives, hours after a BNP leader was wounded in clashes between rival party activists, police said. Habibur Rahman Habib, a BNP candidate for parliament, was attacked by 15 men on motorbikes in the northern town of Ishwardi on Wednesday, according to police. "He was hacked three times on his thigh. He was grievously injured but is out of danger," local police chief Bahauddin Faruqi told AFP. Late Tuesday, senior BNP leader Goyeshwar Roy was injured as BNP and Awami League activists clashed in Dhaka district, police superintendent S.M. Shafiur Rahman told AFP. Media images showed blood pouring down Roy's face. The campaign for Sunday's vote has seen daily confrontations between supporters of the two main parties, which has further soured their bitter constitutional showdown. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is seeking a record fourth term, but her party has been accused of organising the arrest and intimidation of opposition candidates to boost her chances. The government denies any wrongdoing. The BNP, whose leader Khaleda Zia is in jail, and its main Islamist ally claim more than 11,500 of their supporters have been detained since the election was called on November 8. Hundreds of their supporters have been injured in fighting, they say. Thousands arrested Six people -- four BNP supporters and two from the Awami League -- have been killed in the campaign violence. The BNP-led opposition coalition demanded the resignation of the chief election commissioner Nurul Huda, accusing him of supporting ruling party followers in the unrest. "It is not possible to get a non-partisan and neutral election from him and there is no possibility of fair treatment from him," opposition spokesman Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said. Opposition parties walked out of a meeting with Huda late Tuesday, and have demanded a neutral election commissioner take over for Sunday's vote. They say the mass arrest of their followers -- 8,243 from the BNP and 3,600 from the Jamaat-e-Islami -- was intended to create a "climate of fear". Police have not confirmed the number of arrests during the campaign but insist all those detained had warrants against them. "We never target any individual unless they break the law," said police spokesman Sohel Rana. There was no comment from Chief Election Commissioner on the violence, but another election commissioner urged police "act neutrally and without discrimination to all." "Don't take any undesirable action by being too enthusiastic," commissioner Mahbub Talukder said in a statement. "Refrain from acting in a partisan manner in the polls. Uphold the dignity and righteousness of your uniform... I am worried over the growing number of incidents of clashes and violence ahead of the national election." Hasina and Zia have been political foes since the introduction of democracy in 1991. They have traditionally alternated in power but Hasina's current rule has lasted since 2009 and Zia's jail term this year prevented her from taking part in the election. The ruling party has emphasised the economic growth in Hasina's last 10 years in power to justify her reelection. The BNP had hoped the deployment of 30,000 troops on Monday would improve security across the Muslim-majority country of 165 million. But Ahmed said its candidates were attacked in 28 constituencies on Tuesday, leaving more than 100 people injured. Hasina won a 2008 poll by a landslide and the BNP boycotted the 2014 election -- saying it was not free and fair -- gifting her a return to power. Civil society and rights groups have accused Hasina's government of silencing dissent and muzzling the press through a strict digital-security law.

Campaign attacks heighten fears for Bangladesh election

Bangladesh's deadly election campaign entered a final full day Thursday with followers of Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-polls-2018-pm-hasina-eyes-another-term-set-to-challenge-opposition-counter-terrorism-186795">Sheikh Hasina</a> parading in the streets while her opponents insisted the vote would not be free and fair.

Both sides launched new salvoes in their war of words ahead of Sunday's polling.

Hasina accused the opposition of organising bomb attacks while the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-election-violence-youths-carrying-awami-league-banner-attack-bnp-candidate-186668">Bangladesh Nationalist Party</a>&nbsp;said "the state" was aiding an assault on the opposition.

Thousands of flag-waving supporters of the ruling Awami League marched in Dhaka and other cities bringing the traffic-choked streets to a standstill ahead of the official close of campaigning early Friday.

The BNP, whose leader is in jail, said it had been prevented from holding its closing rally in Dhaka. Thousands of its supporters were allowed to march through the northern city of Sylhet however.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-and-isi-trying-to-sabotage-elections-with-bnp-help-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-to-wion-186762">Pakistan and ISI trying to sabotage elections with BNP help: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to WION</a>

At least six people -- four from the BNP and two from the Awami League -- have been killed since the campaign started on November 8.

The BNP and its Islamist ally Jamaat-e-Islami say more than 11,500 of their followers have been arrested and thousand of activists, including candidates, injured in attacks by ruling party followers.

Amid international concern over events, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for calm.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-are-bangladesh-elections-important-186782">Why are Bangladesh elections important?</a>

Guterres "calls on all stakeholders to ensure an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion before, during and after the elections, so as to enable a peaceful, credible and inclusive poll," said a spokesman.

'Blind' opposition

Bangladeshis "must feel safe and confident in exercising their right to vote. Civil society and electoral observers should be fully supported to play their role in the process," the UN leader added through his spokesman.

The United States called off an observer mission it was financing because of delays issuing visas. Human Rights Watch has said the election was being conducted in a "repressive political environment".&nbsp;

Hasina, seeking a third straight term and a record fourth in all, has shrugged off opposition complaints of authoritarianism and said she needs more time to implement her ambitious economic plans.

Amid a flurry of late campaign appearances on Wednesday, Hasina said the "BNP-Jamaat alliance carried out bomb attacks in 88 constituencies".

"There is no doubt that the people will surely reject them," she said.

Hasina focused a speech broadcast by video late Wednesday to supporters in Dhaka on the impressive economic growth of the past decade.

She has promised to increase annual growth to 9.0 per cent from the current 7.8 per cent, expand electricity coverage and put the country on course to raise average incomes to more than $5,400 by 2030.

Hasina slammed the opposition for failing to recognise Bangladesh's achievements. "They are blind despite having eyes," she said.

"I call upon people to continue the pace of improvement and give us more scope to serve again."

The Awami League leader won a landslide victory in 2008 and the BNP boycotted the 2014 election -- saying it was not free and fair -- gifting her a return to power.

But since her last victory, civil society and rights groups have accused Hasina's government of silencing dissent and muzzling the press.

BNP leader Khaleda Zia, an arch-rival of the prime minister, was jailed for 17 years this year on graft charges.

"The election process has turned into a farce," BNP spokesman Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters. "All the attacks are made on BNP people."

"It is very unfortunate and unimaginable that these attacks are being sponsored by the state itself," he added, according to the Daily Star.

The BNP-led opposition alliance has accused police of siding with the Awami League and said they were barred from holding a final rally on Thursday.

Police turned down their request to hold a meeting in Dhaka, an alliance spokesman Latfiul Bari Hamim told AFP. Dhaka police said they were not aware of the request.

At least six people -- four from the BNP and two from the Awami League -- have been killed since the campaign started on November 8.

Bangladesh's deadly election campaign entered a final full day Thursday with followers of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina parading in the streets while her opponents insisted the vote would not be free and fair. Both sides launched new salvoes in their war of words ahead of Sunday's polling. Hasina accused the opposition of organising bomb attacks while the Bangladesh Nationalist Party said "the state" was aiding an assault on the opposition. Thousands of flag-waving supporters of the ruling Awami League marched in Dhaka and other cities bringing the traffic-choked streets to a standstill ahead of the official close of campaigning early Friday. The BNP, whose leader is in jail, said it had been prevented from holding its closing rally in Dhaka. Thousands of its supporters were allowed to march through the northern city of Sylhet however. Also read: Pakistan and ISI trying to sabotage elections with BNP help: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to WION At least six people -- four from the BNP and two from the Awami League -- have been killed since the campaign started on November 8. The BNP and its Islamist ally Jamaat-e-Islami say more than 11,500 of their followers have been arrested and thousand of activists, including candidates, injured in attacks by ruling party followers. Amid international concern over events, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for calm. Also read: Why are Bangladesh elections important? Guterres "calls on all stakeholders to ensure an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion before, during and after the elections, so as to enable a peaceful, credible and inclusive poll," said a spokesman. 'Blind' opposition Bangladeshis "must feel safe and confident in exercising their right to vote. Civil society and electoral observers should be fully supported to play their role in the process," the UN leader added through his spokesman. The United States called off an observer mission it was financing because of delays issuing visas. Human Rights Watch has said the election was being conducted in a "repressive political environment". Hasina, seeking a third straight term and a record fourth in all, has shrugged off opposition complaints of authoritarianism and said she needs more time to implement her ambitious economic plans. Amid a flurry of late campaign appearances on Wednesday, Hasina said the "BNP-Jamaat alliance carried out bomb attacks in 88 constituencies". "There is no doubt that the people will surely reject them," she said. Hasina focused a speech broadcast by video late Wednesday to supporters in Dhaka on the impressive economic growth of the past decade. She has promised to increase annual growth to 9.0 per cent from the current 7.8 per cent, expand electricity coverage and put the country on course to raise average incomes to more than $5,400 by 2030. Hasina slammed the opposition for failing to recognise Bangladesh's achievements. "They are blind despite having eyes," she said. "I call upon people to continue the pace of improvement and give us more scope to serve again." The Awami League leader won a landslide victory in 2008 and the BNP boycotted the 2014 election -- saying it was not free and fair -- gifting her a return to power. But since her last victory, civil society and rights groups have accused Hasina's government of silencing dissent and muzzling the press. BNP leader Khaleda Zia, an arch-rival of the prime minister, was jailed for 17 years this year on graft charges. "The election process has turned into a farce," BNP spokesman Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters. "All the attacks are made on BNP people." "It is very unfortunate and unimaginable that these attacks are being sponsored by the state itself," he added, according to the Daily Star. The BNP-led opposition alliance has accused police of siding with the Awami League and said they were barred from holding a final rally on Thursday. Police turned down their request to hold a meeting in Dhaka, an alliance spokesman Latfiul Bari Hamim told AFP. Dhaka police said they were not aware of the request.

Bangladesh: Violent election campaign ends with opposition fearing unfair voting

New clashes marred the deadly Bangladesh election campaign on Wednesday as<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/10500-arrests-ahead-of-bangladesh-poll-opposition-186427"> opposition leaders</a> stepped up complaints over the organisation of what they consider a one-sided vote.

Youths on motorbikes carrying a banner of the ruling Awami League attacked an opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party candidate with knives, hours after a BNP leader was wounded in clashes between rival party activists, police said.

Habibur Rahman Habib, a BNP candidate for parliament, was attacked by 15 men on motorbikes in the northern town of Ishwardi on Wednesday, according to police.

"He was hacked three times on his thigh. He was grievously injured but is out of danger," local police chief Bahauddin Faruqi told AFP.

Late Tuesday, senior BNP leader Goyeshwar Roy was injured as BNP and Awami League activists clashed in Dhaka district, police superintendent S.M. Shafiur Rahman told AFP. Media images showed blood pouring down Roy's face.

The campaign for Sunday's vote has seen <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-at-least-10-journalists-attacked-ahead-of-poll-186456">daily confrontations between supporters of the two main parties</a>, which has further soured their bitter constitutional showdown.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is seeking a record fourth term, but her party has been accused of organising the arrest and intimidation of opposition candidates to boost her chances. The government denies any wrongdoing.

The BNP, whose leader Khaleda Zia is in jail, and its main Islamist ally claim more than 11,500 of their supporters have been detained since the election was called on November 8. Hundreds of their supporters have been injured in fighting, they say.

Thousands arrested

Six people -- four BNP supporters and two from the Awami League -- have been killed in the campaign violence.

The BNP-led opposition coalition demanded the resignation of the chief election commissioner Nurul Huda, accusing him of supporting ruling party followers in the unrest.

"It is not possible to get a non-partisan and neutral election from him and there is no possibility of fair treatment from him," opposition spokesman Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said.

Opposition parties walked out of a meeting with Huda late Tuesday, and have demanded a neutral election commissioner take over for Sunday's vote.

They say the mass arrest of their followers -- 8,243 from the BNP and 3,600 from the Jamaat-e-Islami -- was intended to create a "climate of fear".

Police have not confirmed the number of arrests during the campaign but insist all those detained had warrants against them.

"We never target any individual unless they break the law," said police spokesman Sohel Rana.

There was no comment from Chief Election Commissioner on the violence, but another election commissioner urged police "act neutrally and without discrimination to all."

"Don't take any undesirable action by being too enthusiastic," commissioner Mahbub Talukder said in a statement.

"Refrain from acting in a partisan manner in the polls. Uphold the dignity and righteousness of your uniform... I am worried over the growing number of incidents of clashes and violence ahead of the national election."

Hasina and Zia have been political foes since the introduction of democracy in 1991. They have traditionally alternated in power but Hasina's current rule has lasted since 2009 and Zia's jail term this year prevented her from taking part in the election.

The ruling party has emphasised the economic growth in Hasina's last 10 years in power to justify her reelection.

The BNP had hoped the deployment of 30,000 troops on Monday would improve security across the Muslim-majority country of 165 million.

But Ahmed said its candidates were attacked in 28 constituencies on Tuesday, leaving more than 100 people injured.

Hasina won a 2008 poll by a landslide and the BNP boycotted the 2014 election -- saying it was not free and fair -- gifting her a return to power.

Civil society and rights groups have accused Hasina's government of silencing dissent and muzzling the press through a strict digital-security law.

Bangladesh election violence: Youths carrying Awami League banner attack BNP candidate

Bangladesh <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-sheikh-hasina-on-top-in-battle-of-the-bangladesh-begums-186170">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina</a> has always had cordial relations with India. Under her regime, ties between the two countries flourished well and the engagement between the two countries improved on all fronts.&nbsp;Bangladesh's first female prime minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/khaleda-zia-bangladeshs-fighter-begum-and-former-premier-marred-by-controversies-185022">Khaleda Zia</a>, on the other hand, had rocky ties with India.&nbsp;

With 2018 Bangladesh polls just around the corner, here's taking a look at Bangladesh-India ties under the 'battling begums.'

Bangladesh PM Hasina

The 2008 elections in Bangladesh marked a new chapter in the country's relationship with India.

The polls ushered in a new phase for the democracy of the country. The polls were held after two years of an army-backed caretaker government ruled the nation. Hasina-led Awami League returned to power with a thumping majority.

Since Hasina's coming to power, India and Bangladesh entered into engagements on every front. Several bus and train routes, connecting the two countries, have been operationalised.

After Sheikh Hasina's visit to India last year, there has been a renewed focus on improving connectivity between the two countries.

After her meeting with PM Modi in India, Hasina said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I had a productive meeting, we sat together to take our excellent bilateral relations to a new height. Prime minister Modi and I agreed that greater connectivity is vital for the development of the region".

In recent years, India and Bangladesh have made major headway to solve their boundary disputes.&nbsp;

In the past few years, the two countries ended an issue in North Bengal. A decades-old maritime boundary dispute was also settled in 2014.&nbsp;

Significant headway has also been made to settle differences over the sharing of waters of the Teesta river.&nbsp;

India has reciprocated to this in equal measure. Around a dozen agreements have been signed with Dhaka. India has committed 10 billion dollars of private investment. &nbsp;New Delhi has approved a 7.5 billion dollars for infrastructure and other projects in Bangladesh. Both sides continue to explore other areas of cooperation.&nbsp;

Beyond these projects, India and Bangladesh have established deep security cooperation. Intelligence agencies of both countries have developed a close working relationship. Since taking over the prime minister's office, Sheikh Hasina has led efforts to crush ISI's covert activities in Bangladesh.&nbsp;

"We want to build cooperation in new areas, especially some high-technology areas that have a deeper connect with the youth in both our societies.

These would include working in the fields of electronics, information technology, cybersecurity, space exploration, civil nuclear energy, and other areas," PM Modi said.

And Hasina being at the helm of affairs has certainly provided a stable neighbour for India.

Bangladesh-India ties under Khaleda Zia

Hasina and Zia have dominated the political landscape of Dhaka for the past 30 years. But former PM Khalida Zia's stature has significantly diminished. She's in jail for corruption. Her Bangladesh Nationalist Party is counting on allies to mount a challenge to the prime minister. And yet, Zia cannot be written off.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-in-punishing-khaleda-zia-was-awami-league-being-vindictive-32590?amp">Khaleda Zia </a>was the first female prime minister of Bangladesh. In her early political life, she was dismissed as the politically inexperienced housewife of a military dictator. But, after her husband's assassination, Zia served as the prime minister of the country.&nbsp;

During her tenure as the prime minister of the country, Zia had a rocky relationship with New Delhi.&nbsp;There was an immense trust deficit between both sides.&nbsp;

Zia's party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is seen as anti-India.&nbsp;Her government was also criticised for supporting and harbouring anti-India elements.&nbsp;

But, in 2012, Zia did attempt some overtures. During a visit to New Delhi, she met with the then President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. These high-level meetings were followed by talks with political leaders from both sides of the political spectrum.&nbsp;

After losing power, Zia has faced major roadblocks in her attempts to mount a comeback.&nbsp;

The leader of the opposition in Bangladesh is serving a 10-year jail term for corruption.&nbsp;

Zia blames the ruling Sheikh Hasina government. Before going to jail, she claimed that opposition is being targeted.&nbsp;

"We were locked in our office for months after months. During that time, I was accused for different incidents that took place outside my office. The jails are all filled with the supporters of my party."

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has always had cordial relations with India. Under her regime, ties between the two countries flourished well and the engagement between the two countries improved on all fronts.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has always had cordial relations with India. Under her regime, ties between the two countries flourished well and the engagement between the two countries improved on all fronts. Bangladesh's first female prime minister Khaleda Zia, on the other hand, had rocky ties with India. With 2018 Bangladesh polls just around the corner, here's taking a look at Bangladesh-India ties under the 'battling begums.' Bangladesh PM Hasina The 2008 elections in Bangladesh marked a new chapter in the country's relationship with India. The polls ushered in a new phase for the democracy of the country. The polls were held after two years of an army-backed caretaker government ruled the nation. Hasina-led Awami League returned to power with a thumping majority. Since Hasina's coming to power, India and Bangladesh entered into engagements on every front. Several bus and train routes, connecting the two countries, have been operationalised. After Sheikh Hasina's visit to India last year, there has been a renewed focus on improving connectivity between the two countries. After her meeting with PM Modi in India, Hasina said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I had a productive meeting, we sat together to take our excellent bilateral relations to a new height. Prime minister Modi and I agreed that greater connectivity is vital for the development of the region". In recent years, India and Bangladesh have made major headway to solve their boundary disputes. In the past few years, the two countries ended an issue in North Bengal. A decades-old maritime boundary dispute was also settled in 2014. Significant headway has also been made to settle differences over the sharing of waters of the Teesta river. India has reciprocated to this in equal measure. Around a dozen agreements have been signed with Dhaka. India has committed 10 billion dollars of private investment. New Delhi has approved a 7.5 billion dollars for infrastructure and other projects in Bangladesh. Both sides continue to explore other areas of cooperation. Beyond these projects, India and Bangladesh have established deep security cooperation. Intelligence agencies of both countries have developed a close working relationship. Since taking over the prime minister's office, Sheikh Hasina has led efforts to crush ISI's covert activities in Bangladesh. "We want to build cooperation in new areas, especially some high-technology areas that have a deeper connect with the youth in both our societies. These would include working in the fields of electronics, information technology, cybersecurity, space exploration, civil nuclear energy, and other areas," PM Modi said. And Hasina being at the helm of affairs has certainly provided a stable neighbour for India. Bangladesh-India ties under Khaleda Zia Hasina and Zia have dominated the political landscape of Dhaka for the past 30 years. But former PM Khalida Zia's stature has significantly diminished. She's in jail for corruption. Her Bangladesh Nationalist Party is counting on allies to mount a challenge to the prime minister. And yet, Zia cannot be written off. Khaleda Zia was the first female prime minister of Bangladesh. In her early political life, she was dismissed as the politically inexperienced housewife of a military dictator. But, after her husband's assassination, Zia served as the prime minister of the country. During her tenure as the prime minister of the country, Zia had a rocky relationship with New Delhi. There was an immense trust deficit between both sides. Zia's party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is seen as anti-India. Her government was also criticised for supporting and harbouring anti-India elements. But, in 2012, Zia did attempt some overtures. During a visit to New Delhi, she met with the then President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. These high-level meetings were followed by talks with political leaders from both sides of the political spectrum. After losing power, Zia has faced major roadblocks in her attempts to mount a comeback. The leader of the opposition in Bangladesh is serving a 10-year jail term for corruption. Zia blames the ruling Sheikh Hasina government. Before going to jail, she claimed that opposition is being targeted. "We were locked in our office for months after months. During that time, I was accused for different incidents that took place outside my office. The jails are all filled with the supporters of my party."

Bangladesh's 'battling begums': India-Bangladesh ties under PM Sheikh Hasina, ex-PM Khaleda Zia

Members of Bangladesh's opposition BNP-NUF alliance on Tuesday walked out of an Election Commission meeting, alleging that the behaviour of its chief was "inappropriate" and he was not taking their arguments into consideration during the talks.&nbsp;

The opposition delegation led by National Unity Front (NUF) convenor and eminent jurist Kamal Hossain met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Nurul Huda to discuss the alleged arrests of the coalition's supporters in police crackdown ahead of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-at-least-10-journalists-attacked-ahead-of-poll-186456">general elections</a> this week.&nbsp;

In the meeting, the alliance also raised the issue of debarring it from holding its wrap up election rally in the capital. It also accused police of playing a "biased role" against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/10500-arrests-ahead-of-bangladesh-poll-opposition-186427">opposition supporters</a>.&nbsp;

"We walked out of the meeting as the CEC was not taking into consideration our words," BNP's secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters after coming out of the meeting within half-an-hour it began.&nbsp;

The CEC's "behaviour was inappropriate", he added.

Alamgir is leading the party in the absence of jailed BNP chairperson and ex-premier Khaleda Zia and her convicted "fugitive" son and party's acting chief Tarique Rahman.&nbsp;

The opposition alleged police have arrested about 10,500 of their activists in a crackdown ahead of elections this week with an intention to create a "climate of fear". However, police said no one was detained without specific charge and warrant.

BNP spokesman Rizvi Ahmed called the charges "fictitious" and an attempt to expose their activists to "ghost" cases" to favour the ruling Awami League party of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Hasina and Zia have been political foes since the introduction of democracy in 1991. They have traditionally alternated in power but Hasina's current rule has lasted since 2009 and Zia's jail term this year prevented her from taking part in the election.

Members of Bangladesh's opposition BNP-NUF alliance on Tuesday walked out of an Election Commission meeting, alleging that the behaviour of its chief was "inappropriate" and he was not taking their arguments into consideration during the talks.

Members of Bangladesh's opposition BNP-NUF alliance on Tuesday walked out of an Election Commission meeting, alleging that the behaviour of its chief was "inappropriate" and he was not taking their arguments into consideration during the talks. The opposition delegation led by National Unity Front (NUF) convenor and eminent jurist Kamal Hossain met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Nurul Huda to discuss the alleged arrests of the coalition's supporters in police crackdown ahead of the general elections this week. In the meeting, the alliance also raised the issue of debarring it from holding its wrap up election rally in the capital. It also accused police of playing a "biased role" against opposition supporters. "We walked out of the meeting as the CEC was not taking into consideration our words," BNP's secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters after coming out of the meeting within half-an-hour it began. The CEC's "behaviour was inappropriate", he added. Alamgir is leading the party in the absence of jailed BNP chairperson and ex-premier Khaleda Zia and her convicted "fugitive" son and party's acting chief Tarique Rahman. The opposition alleged police have arrested about 10,500 of their activists in a crackdown ahead of elections this week with an intention to create a "climate of fear". However, police said no one was detained without specific charge and warrant. BNP spokesman Rizvi Ahmed called the charges "fictitious" and an attempt to expose their activists to "ghost" cases" to favour the ruling Awami League party of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina and Zia have been political foes since the introduction of democracy in 1991. They have traditionally alternated in power but Hasina's current rule has lasted since 2009 and Zia's jail term this year prevented her from taking part in the election.

Bangladesh polls: Opposition storms out of Election Commission meeting

At least 10 journalists were injured as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/10500-arrests-ahead-of-bangladesh-poll-opposition-186427">ruling party activists</a> allegedly attacked a motel in a central Bangladesh town when they were covering this week's national election, a senior journalist said Tuesday.

A group of baton-wielding men attacked the motel in Nawabganj town late Monday, where journalists from several local media were staying overnight, Masud Karim, a special correspondent of the Bengali national daily Jugantor said.

"The miscreants vandalised 16 cars. At least 10 journalists from Jugantor and Jamuna TV were injured during the attack," he told AFP, alleging the police delayed responding to their distress call.

The newspaper also said one of its reporters has been missing since Monday evening.

It blamed the student and youth wings of the ruling Awami League party for the attack, although police said they did not know the identity of the attackers.

"We rescued them (the journalists) from the situation," district police chief S.M Shafiur Rahman told AFP, rejecting the allegations police did not respond to the attack in time.&nbsp;

The chiefs of both outlets demanded immediate arrests of the attackers but the police chief said no formal complaints had been filed.

Violent clashes have marred the run-up to the December 30 election, with the opposition saying hundreds of its activists and dozens of candidates have been injured in attacks by followers of the ruling party.&nbsp;

Six people have been killed, including two from the ruling party. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Two news cameramen were also attacked by alleged pro-government activists in the central Munshiganj district on Tuesday, the online edition of the private NTV station said.

Top journalist lobby group Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) demanded the attackers be punished.

"The state and the government will have to shoulder the responsibility and take steps to curb such attacks," BFUJ President Molla Zalal said.

Press freedom has been under the spotlight in the South Asian nation as opposition and rights group have accused Prime Minister's Sheikh Hasina's government of muzzling dissent through controversial anti-press laws.

At least 10 journalists were injured as ruling party activists allegedly attacked a motel in a central Bangladesh town when they were covering this week's national election, a senior journalist said Tuesday.

At least 10 journalists were injured as ruling party activists allegedly attacked a motel in a central Bangladesh town when they were covering this week's national election, a senior journalist said Tuesday. A group of baton-wielding men attacked the motel in Nawabganj town late Monday, where journalists from several local media were staying overnight, Masud Karim, a special correspondent of the Bengali national daily Jugantor said. "The miscreants vandalised 16 cars. At least 10 journalists from Jugantor and Jamuna TV were injured during the attack," he told AFP, alleging the police delayed responding to their distress call. The newspaper also said one of its reporters has been missing since Monday evening. It blamed the student and youth wings of the ruling Awami League party for the attack, although police said they did not know the identity of the attackers. "We rescued them (the journalists) from the situation," district police chief S.M Shafiur Rahman told AFP, rejecting the allegations police did not respond to the attack in time. The chiefs of both outlets demanded immediate arrests of the attackers but the police chief said no formal complaints had been filed. Violent clashes have marred the run-up to the December 30 election, with the opposition saying hundreds of its activists and dozens of candidates have been injured in attacks by followers of the ruling party. Six people have been killed, including two from the ruling party. Two news cameramen were also attacked by alleged pro-government activists in the central Munshiganj district on Tuesday, the online edition of the private NTV station said. Top journalist lobby group Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) demanded the attackers be punished. "The state and the government will have to shoulder the responsibility and take steps to curb such attacks," BFUJ President Molla Zalal said. Press freedom has been under the spotlight in the South Asian nation as opposition and rights group have accused Prime Minister's Sheikh Hasina's government of muzzling dissent through controversial anti-press laws.

Bangladesh: At least 10 journalists attacked ahead of polls

Thousands of army troops were deployed across <a href="http://www.wionews.com/bangladesh">Bangladesh</a> on Monday to provide security and help conduct <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-elections-a-rocky-road-ahead-for-all-parties-185923">parliamentary elections</a> on December 30, amid concerns that violence could happen.

The Election Commission on December 13 announced that the army will be deployed as a striking force across the country during the 11th parliamentary elections and it will remain in the field until January 2.

Election Commission's Joint Secretary Farhad Ahmed Khan said that about 400-450 platoons of the armed forces are deployed in 389 areas in 270 constituencies across the country.

The army will work in 389 designated areas and the navy in 18. It will also be in charge of operating the electronic voting machines (EMVs) to be used at 845 voting centres in six constituencies, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

Earlier this month, authorities deployed paramilitary border forces in 87 bordering areas to control the law and order situation.

Election Commissioner Rafiqul Islam said the forces have been deployed to remove the fear of all including the political parties.

Major opposition parties including jailed former prime minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/khaleda-zia-bangladeshs-fighter-begum-and-former-premier-marred-by-controversies-185022">Khaleda Zia</a>'s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its alliance Jatiya Oikyafront (National United Front) have long been demanding army deployment for free and fair elections.&nbsp;

The opposition parties have alleged that thousands of its leaders and activists have been arrested to weaken them.&nbsp;

The BNP has welcomed the Election Commission's decision to deploy army in the country ahead of the elections.

"We welcome the decision to deploy army during the 11th Jatiya Sangsad polls. We sincerely believe that the deployment of the army will help create a fair and neutral environment for the election which so far has not been in effect, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam said in a press statement on Sunday.

Stating that Bangladesh Army has always been dedicated to serving the nation and its people, Fakhrul said the army won't let its image be tarnished by working in a partisan way.

We hope every proud member of the Bangladesh Army would work for the sake of the countrymen in an effective way, and not in favour of any individual or any particular group, he said.

We strongly urge the Bangladesh Army to ensure equal scopes for all political parties and candidates in the election, Fakhrul added.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is seeking to return to power for a third consecutive time in the December 30 elections, which the opposition has alleged could be rigged.

Zia, 73, who is serving a 10-year jail sentence on corruption charges, has been barred from contesting the polls.&nbsp;

The Election Commission on Sunday allowed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-ec-allows-hardline-islamist-party-to-contest-upcoming-general-election-186045">Jamaat-e-Islami</a>, a crucial ally of BNP, to contest the general elections, two months after it scraped the fundamentalist party's registration.

The Jamaat will contest from 25 seats in the parliamentary polls with 'sheaf of paddy', the electoral symbol of the BNP.

The EC's decision came after the High Court earlier this week directed it to swiftly decide on a plea of 25 leaders of the unregistered party to contest the election as independent candidates on behalf of their alliance partners.

The hardline Islamist party is now in a dilapidated state with most of its senior leaders executed in the past five years after being convicted by special tribunals on 1971 war crimes charges.

Jamaat was opposed to Bangladesh's 1971 independence from West Pakistan and its leaders and workers sided with Pakistani troops in carrying out atrocities and genocide in then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

Bangladesh's post-independence government banned Jamaat but the subsequent regimes withdrew the ban allowing the party to re-emerge in politics.

The party became a crucial partner of Zia's BNP-led four-party alliance government in 2001 and its chief Moti-ur-Rahman Nizami and secretary general Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujaheed became ministers

Thousands of army troops were deployed across Bangladesh on Monday to provide security and help conduct parliamentary elections on December 30, amid concerns that violence could happen.

Thousands of army troops were deployed across Bangladesh on Monday to provide security and help conduct parliamentary elections on December 30, amid concerns that violence could happen. The Election Commission on December 13 announced that the army will be deployed as a striking force across the country during the 11th parliamentary elections and it will remain in the field until January 2. Election Commission's Joint Secretary Farhad Ahmed Khan said that about 400-450 platoons of the armed forces are deployed in 389 areas in 270 constituencies across the country. The army will work in 389 designated areas and the navy in 18. It will also be in charge of operating the electronic voting machines (EMVs) to be used at 845 voting centres in six constituencies, the Dhaka Tribune reported. Earlier this month, authorities deployed paramilitary border forces in 87 bordering areas to control the law and order situation. Election Commissioner Rafiqul Islam said the forces have been deployed to remove the fear of all including the political parties. Major opposition parties including jailed former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its alliance Jatiya Oikyafront (National United Front) have long been demanding army deployment for free and fair elections. The opposition parties have alleged that thousands of its leaders and activists have been arrested to weaken them. The BNP has welcomed the Election Commission's decision to deploy army in the country ahead of the elections. "We welcome the decision to deploy army during the 11th Jatiya Sangsad polls. We sincerely believe that the deployment of the army will help create a fair and neutral environment for the election which so far has not been in effect, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam said in a press statement on Sunday. Stating that Bangladesh Army has always been dedicated to serving the nation and its people, Fakhrul said the army won't let its image be tarnished by working in a partisan way. We hope every proud member of the Bangladesh Army would work for the sake of the countrymen in an effective way, and not in favour of any individual or any particular group, he said. We strongly urge the Bangladesh Army to ensure equal scopes for all political parties and candidates in the election, Fakhrul added. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is seeking to return to power for a third consecutive time in the December 30 elections, which the opposition has alleged could be rigged. Zia, 73, who is serving a 10-year jail sentence on corruption charges, has been barred from contesting the polls. The Election Commission on Sunday allowed Jamaat-e-Islami, a crucial ally of BNP, to contest the general elections, two months after it scraped the fundamentalist party's registration. The Jamaat will contest from 25 seats in the parliamentary polls with 'sheaf of paddy', the electoral symbol of the BNP. The EC's decision came after the High Court earlier this week directed it to swiftly decide on a plea of 25 leaders of the unregistered party to contest the election as independent candidates on behalf of their alliance partners. The hardline Islamist party is now in a dilapidated state with most of its senior leaders executed in the past five years after being convicted by special tribunals on 1971 war crimes charges. Jamaat was opposed to Bangladesh's 1971 independence from West Pakistan and its leaders and workers sided with Pakistani troops in carrying out atrocities and genocide in then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Bangladesh's post-independence government banned Jamaat but the subsequent regimes withdrew the ban allowing the party to re-emerge in politics. The party became a crucial partner of Zia's BNP-led four-party alliance government in 2001 and its chief Moti-ur-Rahman Nizami and secretary general Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujaheed became ministers

Thousands of troops deployed in Bangladesh ahead of general elections

The United States has urged Bangladesh to do more to ensure a free election, blaming government foot-dragging on issuing visas for the cancellation of an international monitoring mission.

The Asian Network for Free Elections, an observation group funded by the US, called off its mission for next Sunday's vote after Bangladesh did not promptly grant visas and credentials, the State Department said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sends-another-tranche-of-relief-assistance-to-rohingyas-in-bangladesh-186222">Also read:&nbsp;India sends another tranche of relief assistance to Rohingyas in Bangladesh</a>

State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said the United States was "disappointed" by Bangladesh's "inability" to provide visas in time and called on Dhaka to ensure that local non-governmental organizations receive credentials to monitor the vote.

Any democratic election must have "space for peaceful expression and assembly, for independent media to do its job covering electoral developments, for participants to have access to information and for all individuals to be able to partake in the electoral process without harassment, intimidation or violence," Palladino said in a weekend statement.

"We encourage the government of Bangladesh to uphold its commitment to a democratic process by ensuring all Bangladeshis are free to peacefully express themselves and participate," he said.

The election will be the latest rematch between <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-sheikh-hasina-on-top-in-battle-of-the-bangladesh-begums-186170">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina</a> and Khaleda Zia, two women whose bitter, personal rivalry has dominated the country's political landscape for three decades.

Sheikh Hasina is widely expected to triumph, amid accusations by civil society and rights groups that it has drifted toward authoritarianism by silencing dissent and the press through an onerous digital security law.

The United States has generally had a warm relationship with Bangladesh, seeing the moderate Muslim-majority country as an ally against extremism.&nbsp;

The United States has urged Bangladesh to do more to ensure a free election, blaming government foot-dragging on issuing visas for the cancellation of an international monitoring mission.

The United States has urged Bangladesh to do more to ensure a free election, blaming government foot-dragging on issuing visas for the cancellation of an international monitoring mission. The Asian Network for Free Elections, an observation group funded by the US, called off its mission for next Sunday's vote after Bangladesh did not promptly grant visas and credentials, the State Department said. Also read: India sends another tranche of relief assistance to Rohingyas in Bangladesh State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said the United States was "disappointed" by Bangladesh's "inability" to provide visas in time and called on Dhaka to ensure that local non-governmental organizations receive credentials to monitor the vote. Any democratic election must have "space for peaceful expression and assembly, for independent media to do its job covering electoral developments, for participants to have access to information and for all individuals to be able to partake in the electoral process without harassment, intimidation or violence," Palladino said in a weekend statement. "We encourage the government of Bangladesh to uphold its commitment to a democratic process by ensuring all Bangladeshis are free to peacefully express themselves and participate," he said. The election will be the latest rematch between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, two women whose bitter, personal rivalry has dominated the country's political landscape for three decades. Sheikh Hasina is widely expected to triumph, amid accusations by civil society and rights groups that it has drifted toward authoritarianism by silencing dissent and the press through an onerous digital security law. The United States has generally had a warm relationship with Bangladesh, seeing the moderate Muslim-majority country as an ally against extremism.

Disappointed with Bangladesh over inability to provide visas to poll monitoring team: US

Watch: WION Dispatch, 24th December, 2018

WION Dispatch: Thousands of troops deployed in Bangladesh ahead of general elections

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-of-troops-deployed-in-bangladesh-ahead-of-general-elections-186092">Bangladesh will seal off refugee</a> camps housing about one million Rohingya Muslims for three days around the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-ec-allows-hardline-islamist-party-to-contest-upcoming-general-election-186045">country's tense general election</a> this week, officials said Monday.

Rohingya living in the southeastern border district of Cox's Bazar will not be allowed out of their settlements from Saturday.

The election is Sunday with<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-sheikh-hasina-on-top-in-battle-of-the-bangladesh-begums-186170"> Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina</a>, who earned international praise for accepting the refugees who fled a military crackdown in Myanmar, seeking a record fourth term.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-slams-us-statement-over-polls-observers-186042">The Election Commission</a> ordered authorities in Cox's Bazar to prevent refugees from being exploited during election campaigning, Bangladesh refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam said.

"This is a security measure. The embargo also applies to NGO workers. They cannot go inside the camps unless it is an emergency," he told AFP.

Police said extra roadblocks would be set up around the camps.

Over 720,000 Rohingya Muslims fled what the UN called ethnic cleansing in Myanmar's Rakhine state after August 2017. There were already nearly 300,000 refugees in the overcrowded camps.

More than 450 police will be deployed in the camps alongside border guards and community police, a spokesman said.

Thousands of troops were also put on law and order duties across the country Monday amid escalating poll violence, said a military statement.

Media reports said some 30,000 soldiers were joining more than 20,000 paramilitary forces already deployed.

At least six people have been killed in the election violence while the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) says at least 152 of its candidates have been attacked.

The BNP meanwhile criticised Bangladesh star cricketer Mashrafe Mortaza for being a candidate for the ruling Awami League.

One-day international captain Mashrafe is now campaigning after leading Bangladesh to a series win over West Indies this month. The BNP said though that Mashrafte could not be a candidate when he earns public money as a cricketer. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"We welcome youngsters like him joining politics. But the law cannot be different for a superstar and a layman," &nbsp;opposition spokesman Rizvi Ahmed told AFP. &nbsp;

"Mashrafe is a paid cricketer of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), a government body. So we protest him taking part in an election when we see our people are getting dropped for lame excuses," he said.

Bangladesh law bars salaried public employees from contesting elections. Several opposition candidates have been disqualified because they have government jobs.&nbsp;

Mashrafe receives taka 420,000 ($5,000) a month from the board.

Bangladesh will seal off refugee camps housing about one million Rohingya Muslims for three days around the country's tense general election this week, officials said Monday.

Bangladesh will seal off refugee camps housing about one million Rohingya Muslims for three days around the country's tense general election this week, officials said Monday. Rohingya living in the southeastern border district of Cox's Bazar will not be allowed out of their settlements from Saturday. The election is Sunday with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who earned international praise for accepting the refugees who fled a military crackdown in Myanmar, seeking a record fourth term. The Election Commission ordered authorities in Cox's Bazar to prevent refugees from being exploited during election campaigning, Bangladesh refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam said. "This is a security measure. The embargo also applies to NGO workers. They cannot go inside the camps unless it is an emergency," he told AFP. Police said extra roadblocks would be set up around the camps. Over 720,000 Rohingya Muslims fled what the UN called ethnic cleansing in Myanmar's Rakhine state after August 2017. There were already nearly 300,000 refugees in the overcrowded camps. More than 450 police will be deployed in the camps alongside border guards and community police, a spokesman said. Thousands of troops were also put on law and order duties across the country Monday amid escalating poll violence, said a military statement. Media reports said some 30,000 soldiers were joining more than 20,000 paramilitary forces already deployed. At least six people have been killed in the election violence while the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) says at least 152 of its candidates have been attacked. The BNP meanwhile criticised Bangladesh star cricketer Mashrafe Mortaza for being a candidate for the ruling Awami League. One-day international captain Mashrafe is now campaigning after leading Bangladesh to a series win over West Indies this month. The BNP said though that Mashrafte could not be a candidate when he earns public money as a cricketer. "We welcome youngsters like him joining politics. But the law cannot be different for a superstar and a layman," opposition spokesman Rizvi Ahmed told AFP. "Mashrafe is a paid cricketer of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), a government body. So we protest him taking part in an election when we see our people are getting dropped for lame excuses," he said. Bangladesh law bars salaried public employees from contesting elections. Several opposition candidates have been disqualified because they have government jobs. Mashrafe receives taka 420,000 ($5,000) a month from the board.

Bangladesh polls: Rohingya camps to be sealed off during election

High alert will be sounded along the international border in Tripura, hours before the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-sheikh-hasina-on-top-in-battle-of-the-bangladesh-begums-186170">Bangladesh general election</a>, as the BSF steps up efforts to avert any "untoward situation" in the poll-bound country, a senior official said here Monday.

Tripura shares 856-km-long border with the neighbouring country.

Bangladesh is set to go to polls on December 30. Pitted against the Sheikh Hasina-led ruling Awami League (AL) and its various allies is the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) which had boycotted the last parliamentary elections.

Security has already been beefed up in the border areas in Tripura to check infiltration bids, the senior Border Security Force (BSF) official said.

"Our main objective is to check influx of anti-social elements. We will ensure that law and order is maintained along the border to avoid any unpleasant situation in poll-bound Bangladesh," said AK Yadav, the officiating Inspector General (IG) of BSF, Tripura Frontier.

Talking to reporters, Yadav claimed that militancy has been largely contained in Tripura owing to persistent efforts by security forces over the past few years.

"Law enforcement agencies of Bangladesh have also adopted a zero tolerance attitude to anti-Indian activities on their soil and our joint efforts have paid off well," he said.

The IG, however, cautioned against militant activity in the border areas, given the fact that Bangladesh law enforcement agencies have demolished their hideouts in the past few months.

"The militants often befriend local people or try and make inroads into the country with the help of their relatives residing here," he said.

Altogether, 13 militants have surrendered before the BSF during 2018, while 17 insurgents laid down their arms last year, Yadav added.

High alert will be sounded along the international border in Tripura, hours before the Bangladesh general election, as the BSF steps up efforts to avert any "untoward situation" in the poll-bound country, a senior official said here Monday.

High alert will be sounded along the international border in Tripura, hours before the Bangladesh general election, as the BSF steps up efforts to avert any "untoward situation" in the poll-bound country, a senior official said here Monday. Tripura shares 856-km-long border with the neighbouring country. Bangladesh is set to go to polls on December 30. Pitted against the Sheikh Hasina-led ruling Awami League (AL) and its various allies is the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) which had boycotted the last parliamentary elections. Security has already been beefed up in the border areas in Tripura to check infiltration bids, the senior Border Security Force (BSF) official said. "Our main objective is to check influx of anti-social elements. We will ensure that law and order is maintained along the border to avoid any unpleasant situation in poll-bound Bangladesh," said AK Yadav, the officiating Inspector General (IG) of BSF, Tripura Frontier. Talking to reporters, Yadav claimed that militancy has been largely contained in Tripura owing to persistent efforts by security forces over the past few years. "Law enforcement agencies of Bangladesh have also adopted a zero tolerance attitude to anti-Indian activities on their soil and our joint efforts have paid off well," he said. The IG, however, cautioned against militant activity in the border areas, given the fact that Bangladesh law enforcement agencies have demolished their hideouts in the past few months. "The militants often befriend local people or try and make inroads into the country with the help of their relatives residing here," he said. Altogether, 13 militants have surrendered before the BSF during 2018, while 17 insurgents laid down their arms last year, Yadav added.

BSF to issue high alert along Tripura border ahead of Bangladesh polls

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-ec-allows-hardline-islamist-party-to-contest-upcoming-general-election-186045">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina</a> heads to the polls in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-slams-us-statement-over-polls-observers-186042">Bangladesh</a> this week on course for a historic victory, while her ailing opponent faces an uncertain future in a colonial-era Dhaka jail.

Bangladesh's "Battling Begums" have been fighting each other for three decades, but the 71-year-old Hasina is set to extend her record as the country's longest-serving leader after dispatching <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/khaleda-zia-bangladeshs-fighter-begum-and-former-premier-marred-by-controversies-185022">Khaleda Zia, her chief rival</a>.

The two women have been political royalty — begums — since the 1980s. Zia, 73, is the widow of a military dictator and Hasina's father was the country's founding leader.

They joined forces to dethrone military dictator Hussain Muhammed Ershad in 1990 and restore democracy.

But they became arch-foes after Zia was elected prime minister in 1991, and the duo has alternated in power ever since in the South Asian nation.

Hasina is now seeking a fourth term and opinion polls indicate she will have a little problem at the December 30 poll despite criticism of her government's slide towards authoritarian rule.

Zia meanwhile is serving a 17-year jail term on graft charges that her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) insists were "politically motivated".

The convictions mean Zia cannot contest the poll, which the BNP says will be neither free nor fair. It claims thousands of activists have been jailed in recent months.

Zia suffers from arthritis and diabetes, has had knee replacement surgery and can barely move one of her hands. Western diplomats have written off her chances of a comeback.&nbsp;

"She is politically finished," said one diplomat based in Dhaka, adding Zia's only chance for escape would be if she is offered medical leave abroad.

The fallout has spread to the Zia dynasty.

Her youngest son died in exile in Bangkok in 2015. Her eldest child, Tarique Rahman, who masterminded his mother's return to power in 2001, went into exile in London in 2008.

In October, he was sentenced to life in prison for his alleged role in a 2004 grenade attack on a Hasina rally in which at least 20 people were killed. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Analysts say that even though she is out of the limelight, Zia still casts a huge shadow over the election.

"It is fair to say that the conventional portrayal of Bangladeshi politics as the 'Battle of the Begums' has taken a back seat, for the moment," said Illinois State University political science professor Ali Riaz.&nbsp;

"But it is too early to write the political obituary of Khaleda Zia. Although she is not on the ballot, her name and influence is not diminished."

Boycott campaign&nbsp;

Zia's woes started with her decision to boycott the 2014 election, which the BNP said was rigged after Hasina scrapped a caretaker government system used for previous polls.

Dozens were killed in subsequent violence. A nationwide road and railway blockade the following year, aiming to force Hasina into an early election, left up to 150 more dead.

Many people were angered by the campaign and analysts said it allowed Hasina to launch a crackdown on the BNP.

"The decision to boycott the election and then enforcing the blockades were suicidal," said Ataur Rahman, a political science professor in Dhaka.

"They weakened the party and handed Hasina a big opportunity to target her opponents and create what has since emerged as a one-party dominant political system."

Few believe that the Zia family will lose its grip on the BNP, especially in a region where political dynasties are a way of life.

Zia's son, the acting party head, interviewed aspiring candidates for the party by video conference from London.

"These all are indications that the Zia dynasty is still very strong and maintains strong authority over the party," said Oslo University lecturer Mubashar Hasan.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina heads to the polls in Bangladesh this week on course for a historic victory, while her ailing opponent faces an uncertain future in a colonial-era Dhaka jail.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina heads to the polls in Bangladesh this week on course for a historic victory, while her ailing opponent faces an uncertain future in a colonial-era Dhaka jail. Bangladesh's "Battling Begums" have been fighting each other for three decades, but the 71-year-old Hasina is set to extend her record as the country's longest-serving leader after dispatching Khaleda Zia, her chief rival. The two women have been political royalty — begums — since the 1980s. Zia, 73, is the widow of a military dictator and Hasina's father was the country's founding leader. They joined forces to dethrone military dictator Hussain Muhammed Ershad in 1990 and restore democracy. But they became arch-foes after Zia was elected prime minister in 1991, and the duo has alternated in power ever since in the South Asian nation. Hasina is now seeking a fourth term and opinion polls indicate she will have a little problem at the December 30 poll despite criticism of her government's slide towards authoritarian rule. Zia meanwhile is serving a 17-year jail term on graft charges that her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) insists were "politically motivated". The convictions mean Zia cannot contest the poll, which the BNP says will be neither free nor fair. It claims thousands of activists have been jailed in recent months. Zia suffers from arthritis and diabetes, has had knee replacement surgery and can barely move one of her hands. Western diplomats have written off her chances of a comeback. "She is politically finished," said one diplomat based in Dhaka, adding Zia's only chance for escape would be if she is offered medical leave abroad. The fallout has spread to the Zia dynasty. Her youngest son died in exile in Bangkok in 2015. Her eldest child, Tarique Rahman, who masterminded his mother's return to power in 2001, went into exile in London in 2008. In October, he was sentenced to life in prison for his alleged role in a 2004 grenade attack on a Hasina rally in which at least 20 people were killed. Analysts say that even though she is out of the limelight, Zia still casts a huge shadow over the election. "It is fair to say that the conventional portrayal of Bangladeshi politics as the 'Battle of the Begums' has taken a back seat, for the moment," said Illinois State University political science professor Ali Riaz. "But it is too early to write the political obituary of Khaleda Zia. Although she is not on the ballot, her name and influence is not diminished." Boycott campaign Zia's woes started with her decision to boycott the 2014 election, which the BNP said was rigged after Hasina scrapped a caretaker government system used for previous polls. Dozens were killed in subsequent violence. A nationwide road and railway blockade the following year, aiming to force Hasina into an early election, left up to 150 more dead. Many people were angered by the campaign and analysts said it allowed Hasina to launch a crackdown on the BNP. "The decision to boycott the election and then enforcing the blockades were suicidal," said Ataur Rahman, a political science professor in Dhaka. "They weakened the party and handed Hasina a big opportunity to target her opponents and create what has since emerged as a one-party dominant political system." Few believe that the Zia family will lose its grip on the BNP, especially in a region where political dynasties are a way of life. Zia's son, the acting party head, interviewed aspiring candidates for the party by video conference from London. "These all are indications that the Zia dynasty is still very strong and maintains strong authority over the party," said Oslo University lecturer Mubashar Hasan.

PM Sheikh Hasina on top in poll battle of 'Bangladesh Begums'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-slams-us-statement-over-polls-observers-186042">Bangladesh's Election Commission</a> on Sunday allowed Jamaat-e-Islami, a crucial ally of jailed former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Opposition BNP, to contest the December 30 general elections, two months after it scraped the fundamentalist party's registration.

The Jamaat will contest from 25 seats in the parliamentary polls with 'sheaf of paddy', the electoral symbol of the BNP.&nbsp;

"The Commission does not have a legal option to cancel their (Jamaat leaders) candidacies. Their candidatures will, therefore, stay in place," EC secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed told reporters here.&nbsp;

The EC's decision came after the High Court earlier this week directed it to swiftly decide on a plea of 25 leaders of the unregistered party to contest the election as independent candidates on behalf of their alliance partners.

On October 29, the EC formally scrapped Jamaat's registration as a political party in compliance with an order of the Supreme Court.

A high court bench in 2013 declared Jamaat's registration with the EC illegal on a writ petition filed by several Islamic groups, saying the party's ideology was contrary to Bangladesh's Constitution.

The Supreme Court upheld the high court judgment when Jamaat challenged the verdict in the apex court.

The hardline Islamist party, however, is now in a dilapidated state with most of its senior leaders executed in the past five years after being convicted by special tribunals on 1971 war crimes charges.

Jamaat was opposed to Bangladesh's 1971 independence from West Pakistan and its leaders and workers sided with Pakistani troops in carrying out atrocities and genocide in then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

Bangladesh's post-independence government banned Jamaat but the subsequent regimes withdrew the ban allowing the party to re-emerge in politics.

The party became a crucial partner of Zia's BNP-led four-party alliance government in 2001 and its chief Moti-ur-Rahman Nizami and secretary general Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujaheed became ministers.

The incumbent Awami League government assuming power after its victory in the 2008 elections and initiated a process to bring to justice the Bengali perpetrators of the 1971 war crimes.

Both Nizami and Mujaheed were sentenced to death along with several other party stalwarts by special courts.

Bangladesh's Election Commission on Sunday allowed Jamaat-e-Islami, a crucial ally of jailed former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Opposition BNP, to contest the December 30 general elections, two months after it scraped the fundamentalist party's registration.

Bangladesh's Election Commission on Sunday allowed Jamaat-e-Islami, a crucial ally of jailed former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Opposition BNP, to contest the December 30 general elections, two months after it scraped the fundamentalist party's registration. The Jamaat will contest from 25 seats in the parliamentary polls with 'sheaf of paddy', the electoral symbol of the BNP. "The Commission does not have a legal option to cancel their (Jamaat leaders) candidacies. Their candidatures will, therefore, stay in place," EC secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed told reporters here. The EC's decision came after the High Court earlier this week directed it to swiftly decide on a plea of 25 leaders of the unregistered party to contest the election as independent candidates on behalf of their alliance partners. On October 29, the EC formally scrapped Jamaat's registration as a political party in compliance with an order of the Supreme Court. A high court bench in 2013 declared Jamaat's registration with the EC illegal on a writ petition filed by several Islamic groups, saying the party's ideology was contrary to Bangladesh's Constitution. The Supreme Court upheld the high court judgment when Jamaat challenged the verdict in the apex court. The hardline Islamist party, however, is now in a dilapidated state with most of its senior leaders executed in the past five years after being convicted by special tribunals on 1971 war crimes charges. Jamaat was opposed to Bangladesh's 1971 independence from West Pakistan and its leaders and workers sided with Pakistani troops in carrying out atrocities and genocide in then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Bangladesh's post-independence government banned Jamaat but the subsequent regimes withdrew the ban allowing the party to re-emerge in politics. The party became a crucial partner of Zia's BNP-led four-party alliance government in 2001 and its chief Moti-ur-Rahman Nizami and secretary general Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujaheed became ministers. The incumbent Awami League government assuming power after its victory in the 2008 elections and initiated a process to bring to justice the Bengali perpetrators of the 1971 war crimes. Both Nizami and Mujaheed were sentenced to death along with several other party stalwarts by special courts.

Bangladesh EC allows hardline Islamist party to contest upcoming general election 

Bangladesh on Sunday described as "disheartening" a US statement that criticised Dhaka's "inability" to grant visas to an American poll observer group to monitor the December 30 general election.

"As one of the largest democracies in the world and mutually respectful to others, Bangladesh would expect and welcome constructive statements towards its democratic process from its friends and partners," the foreign office here said.

The US State Department two days ago expressed its disappointment over the Bangladesh government's "inability to grant credentials and issue visas" to a group of election observers called Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) funded by the National Democratic Institute.

The State Department said Bangladesh's forced ANFREL to cancel its planned mission.

The foreign office, however, said "accreditation of international election observers from a number of organisations including ANFREL is currently under process", adding that Bangladesh would continue to grant credentials to "eligible" international and local election observers to monitor the upcoming polls.

"But it (Bangladesh) certainly has the responsibility to ensure that the applicants meet all required criterion as per applicable laws and guidelines of the Election Commission," the foreign office said in a statement.

The statement said as of now, 175 election observers from different countries and organisations were accredited to undertake election monitoring missions in Bangladesh and in addition the Election Commission has registered 118 local organisations and also approved 25,920 local observers to monitor the polls.

"In this context, the decision of ANFREL to cancel its observation mission is entirely their own despite the fact that nearly half of its applicants have already been approved and the rest are under process," the foreign office said.

It said the polls were being conducted by the Election Commission (EC) "which is a constitutional body and independent in the exercise of its functions".

The statement simultaneously noted that a controversial Bangladeshi NGO 'Odhikar' was providing funds for the ANFREL mission while 'Odhikar' "is widely known for its disproportionate bias and prejudice against Bangladesh, in particular, the government of Awami League".

Besides, one of the top-ranking Bangladeshi members of 'Odhikar' was earlier appointed by the past BNP-led government as the deputy attorney general, "which provides ground for disqualification of his organisation and related entities as independent and neutral observer of the national elections," it said.

The foreign office said Bangladesh's election law enables the Election Commission to "permit a person as election observer who is in no way associated with or affiliated to any political party or contesting candidate and who is not known for his sympathy, direct or indirect, for any particular political ideology".&nbsp;

Bangladesh on Sunday described as "disheartening" a US statement that criticised Dhaka's "inability" to grant visas to an American poll observer group to monitor the December 30 general election.

Bangladesh on Sunday described as "disheartening" a US statement that criticised Dhaka's "inability" to grant visas to an American poll observer group to monitor the December 30 general election. "As one of the largest democracies in the world and mutually respectful to others, Bangladesh would expect and welcome constructive statements towards its democratic process from its friends and partners," the foreign office here said. The US State Department two days ago expressed its disappointment over the Bangladesh government's "inability to grant credentials and issue visas" to a group of election observers called Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) funded by the National Democratic Institute. The State Department said Bangladesh's forced ANFREL to cancel its planned mission. The foreign office, however, said "accreditation of international election observers from a number of organisations including ANFREL is currently under process", adding that Bangladesh would continue to grant credentials to "eligible" international and local election observers to monitor the upcoming polls. "But it (Bangladesh) certainly has the responsibility to ensure that the applicants meet all required criterion as per applicable laws and guidelines of the Election Commission," the foreign office said in a statement. The statement said as of now, 175 election observers from different countries and organisations were accredited to undertake election monitoring missions in Bangladesh and in addition the Election Commission has registered 118 local organisations and also approved 25,920 local observers to monitor the polls. "In this context, the decision of ANFREL to cancel its observation mission is entirely their own despite the fact that nearly half of its applicants have already been approved and the rest are under process," the foreign office said. It said the polls were being conducted by the Election Commission (EC) "which is a constitutional body and independent in the exercise of its functions". The statement simultaneously noted that a controversial Bangladeshi NGO 'Odhikar' was providing funds for the ANFREL mission while 'Odhikar' "is widely known for its disproportionate bias and prejudice against Bangladesh, in particular, the government of Awami League". Besides, one of the top-ranking Bangladeshi members of 'Odhikar' was earlier appointed by the past BNP-led government as the deputy attorney general, "which provides ground for disqualification of his organisation and related entities as independent and neutral observer of the national elections," it said. The foreign office said Bangladesh's election law enables the Election Commission to "permit a person as election observer who is in no way associated with or affiliated to any political party or contesting candidate and who is not known for his sympathy, direct or indirect, for any particular political ideology".

Bangladesh slams US statement over polls observers

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-opposition-alliance-demands-action-over-election-attacks-185453">Bangladesh</a>'s main opposition website has been shut down, the party said Saturday, amid accusation the government is muzzling dissent ahead of next week's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/facebook-and-twitter-remove-pages-and-accounts-in-bangladesh-ahead-of-election-185612">general election.</a>

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said authorities had closed the site since last week when they shut 54 news portals and websites for what they claimed were security reasons.

"We've written to the Election Commission to open the website. But it has not been opened yet," BNP spokesman Nazrul Islam Khan told AFP.

The shutdown has hit the party's election campaign just days before the December 30 polls.

"We cannot communicate with our supporters," he said.

The BNP is part of the opposition National Unity Front alliance, which is contesting the polls after boycotting the 2014 election. It has emerged as the main challenger to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's bid for record fourth term in office.

Hasina's government has been accused by civil society and rights groups of drifting towards authoritarianism, silencing dissent and the press by using an onerous digital-security law.

At least six people have been killed in election campaign clashes between supporters of Hasina's ruling Awami League and the BNP, whose incarcerated veteran leader Khaleda Zia was last month handed another stiff jail term.

The Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission could not confirm whether the BNP website was among the 54 sites it blocked last week.

But commission chairman Jahurul Haque accused the website of bad taste. "It is obscene and indecent," he said.

In an email to the Election Commission, the BTRC, however, said the website was closed following orders from two intelligence agencies for containing "outlawed" materials, according to a report by the online edition of the mass-circulation Bengali daily Jugantor.

BNP spokesman Khan rejected allegations that the website contained obscene materials.

Last week the government blocked more than 50 websites and news portals for what it said were security reasons, prompting an outcry from rights advocates.

BTRC spokesman Zakir Khan said the websites were "spreading propaganda" and "destabilising the state".&nbsp;

A BNP spokesman has said 18 of its online activists have been detained in recent months, including a former air force officer who was arrested on Thursday.

Human Rights Watch said the arrests and the crackdown on free speech including widespread surveillance contributed to "a widely described climate of fear" ahead of the election.

"The authorities have used a number of broadly worded laws arbitrarily to constrain journalists, restrict the free speech of ordinary citizens, and target the government's opponents and critics," the New York-based group said.

"The government has ordered several units and agencies to censor the internet, monitor online communications, and detain users accused of 'spreading rumours' or 'anti-state activity'," it said.

This week Facebook said it had suspended nine pages and six accounts it had linked to "individuals associated with the Bangladesh government" and which posted anti-opposition content while masquerading as independent news sources.

Bangladesh's main opposition website has been shut down, the party said Saturday, amid accusation the government is muzzling dissent ahead of next week's general election.

Bangladesh's main opposition website has been shut down, the party said Saturday, amid accusation the government is muzzling dissent ahead of next week's general election. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said authorities had closed the site since last week when they shut 54 news portals and websites for what they claimed were security reasons. "We've written to the Election Commission to open the website. But it has not been opened yet," BNP spokesman Nazrul Islam Khan told AFP. The shutdown has hit the party's election campaign just days before the December 30 polls. "We cannot communicate with our supporters," he said. The BNP is part of the opposition National Unity Front alliance, which is contesting the polls after boycotting the 2014 election. It has emerged as the main challenger to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's bid for record fourth term in office. Hasina's government has been accused by civil society and rights groups of drifting towards authoritarianism, silencing dissent and the press by using an onerous digital-security law. At least six people have been killed in election campaign clashes between supporters of Hasina's ruling Awami League and the BNP, whose incarcerated veteran leader Khaleda Zia was last month handed another stiff jail term. The Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission could not confirm whether the BNP website was among the 54 sites it blocked last week. But commission chairman Jahurul Haque accused the website of bad taste. "It is obscene and indecent," he said. In an email to the Election Commission, the BTRC, however, said the website was closed following orders from two intelligence agencies for containing "outlawed" materials, according to a report by the online edition of the mass-circulation Bengali daily Jugantor. BNP spokesman Khan rejected allegations that the website contained obscene materials. Last week the government blocked more than 50 websites and news portals for what it said were security reasons, prompting an outcry from rights advocates. BTRC spokesman Zakir Khan said the websites were "spreading propaganda" and "destabilising the state". A BNP spokesman has said 18 of its online activists have been detained in recent months, including a former air force officer who was arrested on Thursday. Human Rights Watch said the arrests and the crackdown on free speech including widespread surveillance contributed to "a widely described climate of fear" ahead of the election. "The authorities have used a number of broadly worded laws arbitrarily to constrain journalists, restrict the free speech of ordinary citizens, and target the government's opponents and critics," the New York-based group said. "The government has ordered several units and agencies to censor the internet, monitor online communications, and detain users accused of 'spreading rumours' or 'anti-state activity'," it said. This week Facebook said it had suspended nine pages and six accounts it had linked to "individuals associated with the Bangladesh government" and which posted anti-opposition content while masquerading as independent news sources.

Bangladesh opposition website shut down ahead of polls: Report

The United States has said it was disappointment over Bangladesh's inability to issue visas and other credentials to a group of international observers "within the timeframe necessary" for monitoring the general election later this month.

State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino said Friday the delay on the part of the Bangladesh government has "forced" the Asian Network for Free Elections to cancel its observation mission for the December 30 election.

"The United States is disappointed by the Government of Bangladesh's inability to grant credentials and issue visas within the timeframe necessary to conduct a credible international monitoring mission to the majority of international election monitors from the Asian Network for Free Elections, which the US-funded through the National Democratic Institute," he said.

Palladino urged Bangladesh to complete the accreditation of all local NGOs that constitute the Election Working Group, which includes some funded by USAID, so they can conduct election monitoring.

"We encourage the Government of Bangladesh to uphold its commitment to a democratic process by ensuring all Bangladeshis are free to peacefully express themselves and participate in December 30 election," he said.

The Asian Network for Free Elections was established in 1997.

ANFREL strives to promote and support democratisation at national and regional levels in Asia. It has served towards strengthening democratisation in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, East Timor and Indonesia, according to the information on its website.&nbsp;

The United States has said it was disappointment over Bangladesh's inability to issue visas and other credentials to a group of international observers "within the timeframe necessary" for monitoring the general election later this month.

The United States has said it was disappointment over Bangladesh's inability to issue visas and other credentials to a group of international observers "within the timeframe necessary" for monitoring the general election later this month. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino said Friday the delay on the part of the Bangladesh government has "forced" the Asian Network for Free Elections to cancel its observation mission for the December 30 election. "The United States is disappointed by the Government of Bangladesh's inability to grant credentials and issue visas within the timeframe necessary to conduct a credible international monitoring mission to the majority of international election monitors from the Asian Network for Free Elections, which the US-funded through the National Democratic Institute," he said. Palladino urged Bangladesh to complete the accreditation of all local NGOs that constitute the Election Working Group, which includes some funded by USAID, so they can conduct election monitoring. "We encourage the Government of Bangladesh to uphold its commitment to a democratic process by ensuring all Bangladeshis are free to peacefully express themselves and participate in December 30 election," he said. The Asian Network for Free Elections was established in 1997. ANFREL strives to promote and support democratisation at national and regional levels in Asia. It has served towards strengthening democratisation in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, East Timor and Indonesia, according to the information on its website.

Disappointed with delay by Bangladesh in issuing visas to election observers: US

Bangladesh&nbsp;will collect and test samples of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-regulator-orders-jj-to-stop-using-raw-material-to-make-baby-powder-in-india-185628">Johnson &amp; Johnson's Baby Powder</a> for asbestos in a couple of days, its main testing authority said on Friday, after a Reuters report last Friday that the firm knew for decades that cancer-causing asbestos could be found in the product.

The&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), under the Industries Ministry, said it will either do the tests inside or outside the country.

"We take this issue seriously and within a couple of days we will collect samples from the market ...," S.M. Isahaque Ali, a director at the BSTI, told Reuters.

He said&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;wouldn't stop the Baby Powder from being marketed unless it discovers asbestos is present.

J&amp;J has described the Reuters article as "one-sided, false and inflammatory".

J&amp;J spokespersons in India and&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;could not be immediately reached for comment on the&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;government move.

J&amp;J said on Thursday that its talc is routinely tested by both suppliers and independent labs to ensure that it is free of asbestos. It told Reuters in a statement: "All talc in India is sourced and exclusively sold in India and surrounding markets including Sri Lanka,&nbsp;Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and fully meets the regulatory standards of the Government of India".

Bangladesh will collect and test samples of Johnson & Johnson's Baby Powder for asbestos in a couple of days, its main testing authority said on Friday, after a Reuters report last Friday that the firm knew for decades that cancer-causing asbestos could be found in the product.

Bangladesh will collect and test samples of Johnson & Johnson's Baby Powder for asbestos in a couple of days, its main testing authority said on Friday, after a Reuters report last Friday that the firm knew for decades that cancer-causing asbestos could be found in the product. The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), under the Industries Ministry, said it will either do the tests inside or outside the country. "We take this issue seriously and within a couple of days we will collect samples from the market ...," S.M. Isahaque Ali, a director at the BSTI, told Reuters. He said Bangladesh wouldn't stop the Baby Powder from being marketed unless it discovers asbestos is present. J&J has described the Reuters article as "one-sided, false and inflammatory". J&J spokespersons in India and Bangladesh could not be immediately reached for comment on the Bangladesh government move. J&J said on Thursday that its talc is routinely tested by both suppliers and independent labs to ensure that it is free of asbestos. It told Reuters in a statement: "All talc in India is sourced and exclusively sold in India and surrounding markets including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and fully meets the regulatory standards of the Government of India".

Bangladesh to collect, test samples of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder

Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League unveiled its election manifesto on Tuesday, making sweeping promises to eradicate poverty and boost the economy as it seeks to retain power for a third straight term.

The 88-page manifesto released by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina promised to increase the country’s gross domestic product to 9 per cent from the 7.8 per cent the government reported for the 2017-18 fiscal year, partly driven by a more competitive presence in international markets.&nbsp;

The Awami League is up against the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladeshi-opposition-pledges-to-remove-media-curbs-raise-pay-freeze-energy-prices-184897">National Unity Front, a coalition of smaller parties</a> that have formed what they say is a movement to restore democracy in Bangladesh.

Ahead of elections due on December 30, violent clashes have broken out across <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-as-tension-soar-before-general-election-opposition-alliance-campaigns-outside-dhaka-184469">Bangladesh</a> since campaigning began last week, and candidates of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is part of the coalition, have been attacked. The Awami League has denied involvement.

The coalition and human rights groups have criticised Hasina’s government for being increasingly authoritarian and imposing curbs on free speech and the media.&nbsp;

Hasina’s rule is credited for an improved economy, over 80 per cent of which depends on a robust garments export sector. But her government has been criticised for cracking down on dissent, going after journalists by introducing tough new laws and locking up opposition workers.

The Awami League manifesto touted the country`s improving international image under Hasina, who has been lauded for providing refuge for hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims who have fled violence and persecution in Myanmar.

The opposition alliance`s manifesto released on Monday took aim at the rights abuses Hasina’s government has been accused of, saying it would allow freedom of expression and would punish police officials involved in “politically motivated” arrests.&nbsp;

The BNP also released its manifesto on Tuesday, saying it would modernise education for madrassas, or Islamic religious schools, and offer “honourable allowances” to mosque leaders.&nbsp;

Hasina and BNP leader Khaleda Zia share a bitter rivalry and Hasina has criticised the BNP for its links to the Jamaat-e-Islami, a group that opposed Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan. Khaleda is in jail on corruption charges she says were aimed at keeping her away from politics.&nbsp;

Jamaat’s registration as a political party has been revoked under Hasina’s rule but at least 22 of its members are contesting the elections under the BNP banner. 
&nbsp;

Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League unveiled its election manifesto on Tuesday, making sweeping promises to eradicate poverty and boost the economy as it seeks to retain power for a third straight term.

Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League unveiled its election manifesto on Tuesday, making sweeping promises to eradicate poverty and boost the economy as it seeks to retain power for a third straight term. The 88-page manifesto released by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina promised to increase the country’s gross domestic product to 9 per cent from the 7.8 per cent the government reported for the 2017-18 fiscal year, partly driven by a more competitive presence in international markets. The Awami League is up against the National Unity Front, a coalition of smaller parties that have formed what they say is a movement to restore democracy in Bangladesh. Ahead of elections due on December 30, violent clashes have broken out across Bangladesh since campaigning began last week, and candidates of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is part of the coalition, have been attacked. The Awami League has denied involvement. The coalition and human rights groups have criticised Hasina’s government for being increasingly authoritarian and imposing curbs on free speech and the media. Hasina’s rule is credited for an improved economy, over 80 per cent of which depends on a robust garments export sector. But her government has been criticised for cracking down on dissent, going after journalists by introducing tough new laws and locking up opposition workers. The Awami League manifesto touted the country`s improving international image under Hasina, who has been lauded for providing refuge for hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims who have fled violence and persecution in Myanmar. The opposition alliance`s manifesto released on Monday took aim at the rights abuses Hasina’s government has been accused of, saying it would allow freedom of expression and would punish police officials involved in “politically motivated” arrests. The BNP also released its manifesto on Tuesday, saying it would modernise education for madrassas, or Islamic religious schools, and offer “honourable allowances” to mosque leaders. Hasina and BNP leader Khaleda Zia share a bitter rivalry and Hasina has criticised the BNP for its links to the Jamaat-e-Islami, a group that opposed Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan. Khaleda is in jail on corruption charges she says were aimed at keeping her away from politics. Jamaat’s registration as a political party has been revoked under Hasina’s rule but at least 22 of its members are contesting the elections under the BNP banner.

Bangladesh ruling Awami party promises growth in bid for third term

Bangladesh's main opposition group promised on Monday to remove curbs on free speech and the media and to rein in the police if it unseats Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from her decade-long rule in this month's national election.

Presenting its manifesto in Dhaka, the Jaitya Oikya Front, or National Unity Front alliance, also pledged to bring in a series of checks and balances on central government power.

It would create an upper house of parliament, introduce a rule that would bar a prime minister from running for office for more than two consecutive terms, and give the central bank more autonomy.

The alliance also promised to raise the minimum wage of garment workers and freeze gas and electricity prices for the first year that it is in power.

Hasina, who is Bangladesh's longest-ruling leader and is seeking a third straight term in the election scheduled for December 30, has been accused by the opposition and human rights groups of becoming increasingly authoritarian.

Cracked down on dissent&nbsp;

While she is credited for improving the economy and has been lauded internationally for providing refuge to hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar, she has also cracked down on dissent, stifled the opposition and introduced a tough new media law.

With less than two weeks to go before the polls, the opposition alliance has complained of harassment.

"It is doubtful that the election will be free and fair," said Kamal Hossain, leader of the alliance that includes the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

"In every district our candidates are being arrested...in the last 50 years of my political life, I have never seen such a situation."

Clashes have broken out in several parts of Bangladesh since campaigning officially began last week, and at least six BNP candidates have been injured while they were out seeking votes. The party has called for the army to take over to restore order.

The BNP alleges scores of its workers have been detained by police on fictitious charges, or even killed, under Hasina’s rule, especially over the past few months, and say that the Election Commission has turned a blind eye.

Asaduzzaman Khan, minister for home affairs and also a senior leader of Hasina's ruling Awami League, denied the allegations.

"No workers of BNP have been detained or arrested without an arrest warrant or specific charges, the question of killing or murder does not arise at all," Khan told Reuters.

The alliance said it would form an independent commission to investigate suspected politically motivated cases under Hasina's rule and punish police involved in them. It also promised to stop disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Khan also called those allegations baseless

"War criminals"

The BNP has close links to the Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamic party, many of whose members have been convicted of war crimes and sentenced to death or life imprisonment under Hasina’s rule.

Bangladesh's Election Commission scrapped Jamaat's registration following a Supreme Court judgment. Even so, at least 22 members of the party are contesting in the upcoming polls under the BNP banner, and three as independent candidates.

Hossain has said the alliance has no links to the Jamaat, but Hasina has accused the alliance for fielding "war criminals."

The media policy perhaps goes further than most in rolling back Hasina's recent moves.

"There will be no direct or indirect control on mass media," the manifesto said.

Bangladesh's main opposition group promised on Monday to remove curbs on free speech and the media and to rein in the police if it unseats Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from her decade-long rule in this month's national election.

Bangladesh's main opposition group promised on Monday to remove curbs on free speech and the media and to rein in the police if it unseats Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from her decade-long rule in this month's national election. Presenting its manifesto in Dhaka, the Jaitya Oikya Front, or National Unity Front alliance, also pledged to bring in a series of checks and balances on central government power. It would create an upper house of parliament, introduce a rule that would bar a prime minister from running for office for more than two consecutive terms, and give the central bank more autonomy. The alliance also promised to raise the minimum wage of garment workers and freeze gas and electricity prices for the first year that it is in power. Hasina, who is Bangladesh's longest-ruling leader and is seeking a third straight term in the election scheduled for December 30, has been accused by the opposition and human rights groups of becoming increasingly authoritarian. Cracked down on dissent While she is credited for improving the economy and has been lauded internationally for providing refuge to hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar, she has also cracked down on dissent, stifled the opposition and introduced a tough new media law. With less than two weeks to go before the polls, the opposition alliance has complained of harassment. "It is doubtful that the election will be free and fair," said Kamal Hossain, leader of the alliance that includes the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). "In every district our candidates are being arrested...in the last 50 years of my political life, I have never seen such a situation." Clashes have broken out in several parts of Bangladesh since campaigning officially began last week, and at least six BNP candidates have been injured while they were out seeking votes. The party has called for the army to take over to restore order. The BNP alleges scores of its workers have been detained by police on fictitious charges, or even killed, under Hasina’s rule, especially over the past few months, and say that the Election Commission has turned a blind eye. Asaduzzaman Khan, minister for home affairs and also a senior leader of Hasina's ruling Awami League, denied the allegations. "No workers of BNP have been detained or arrested without an arrest warrant or specific charges, the question of killing or murder does not arise at all," Khan told Reuters. The alliance said it would form an independent commission to investigate suspected politically motivated cases under Hasina's rule and punish police involved in them. It also promised to stop disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Khan also called those allegations baseless "War criminals" The BNP has close links to the Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamic party, many of whose members have been convicted of war crimes and sentenced to death or life imprisonment under Hasina’s rule. Bangladesh's Election Commission scrapped Jamaat's registration following a Supreme Court judgment. Even so, at least 22 members of the party are contesting in the upcoming polls under the BNP banner, and three as independent candidates. Hossain has said the alliance has no links to the Jamaat, but Hasina has accused the alliance for fielding "war criminals." The media policy perhaps goes further than most in rolling back Hasina's recent moves. "There will be no direct or indirect control on mass media," the manifesto said.

Bangladeshi opposition pledges to remove media curbs, raise pay, freeze energy prices

The Bangladesh government has decided to build a war memorial in Chittagong’s Bhramanbaria to pay homage to Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.&nbsp;

While a National Martyr’s Memorial exists in Dhaka to pay homage to soldiers who were killed in the war, a separate war memorial is being built that will be dedicated exclusively to Indian soldiers.&nbsp;

On the sidelines of the 47th Vijay Diwas celebrations at the Army Eastern Command Headquarters in Kolkata, Bangladesh Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Muzzamel Huq said, “We are going to lay the foundation stone for Indian soldiers at Bhramanbaria in Chittagong by May-June next year. This memorial will be dedicated to Indian soldiers only. The area has been identified and over the next few months, we will be able to hold a stone laying ceremony.”

Huq added, “Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be present at the stone laying ceremony next year. While we are yet to prepare the guest list, we will be more than happy to host the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the ceremony.”

On the other hand, Quazi Rosy, Member of Parliament, Bangladesh was of the opinion that this war memorial for Indian soldiers will further strengthen ties.&nbsp;

“We peacefully resolved the Land Boundary Agreement, we have managed to establish rail and road links. We wanted to pay our respects to those fallen soldiers without whom we wouldn’t have been liberated and the best way is to honour them on our own soil through a war memorial. This is to further strengthen ties between the two nations,” said Rosy.&nbsp;

On Sunday, in a joint ceremony organised by the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission and Army Eastern Command, the Bangladesh government <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bangladesh-government-felicitates-indian-soldiers-martyred-in-1971-bangladesh-liberation-war-184539">felicitated family members of 12 Indian soldiers</a> -- seven martyrs from the Indian Army, one from the Navy, two from the Air Force and two from the BSF -- who were killed in the Bangladesh Liberation War. 
&nbsp;

The Bangladesh government has decided to build a war memorial in Chittagong’s Bhramanbaria to pay homage to Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

The Bangladesh government has decided to build a war memorial in Chittagong’s Bhramanbaria to pay homage to Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. While a National Martyr’s Memorial exists in Dhaka to pay homage to soldiers who were killed in the war, a separate war memorial is being built that will be dedicated exclusively to Indian soldiers. On the sidelines of the 47th Vijay Diwas celebrations at the Army Eastern Command Headquarters in Kolkata, Bangladesh Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Muzzamel Huq said, “We are going to lay the foundation stone for Indian soldiers at Bhramanbaria in Chittagong by May-June next year. This memorial will be dedicated to Indian soldiers only. The area has been identified and over the next few months, we will be able to hold a stone laying ceremony.” Huq added, “Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be present at the stone laying ceremony next year. While we are yet to prepare the guest list, we will be more than happy to host the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the ceremony.” On the other hand, Quazi Rosy, Member of Parliament, Bangladesh was of the opinion that this war memorial for Indian soldiers will further strengthen ties. “We peacefully resolved the Land Boundary Agreement, we have managed to establish rail and road links. We wanted to pay our respects to those fallen soldiers without whom we wouldn’t have been liberated and the best way is to honour them on our own soil through a war memorial. This is to further strengthen ties between the two nations,” said Rosy. On Sunday, in a joint ceremony organised by the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission and Army Eastern Command, the Bangladesh government felicitated family members of 12 Indian soldiers -- seven martyrs from the Indian Army, one from the Navy, two from the Air Force and two from the BSF -- who were killed in the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Bangladesh to build war memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers killed in 1971 Liberation War

The Bangladesh government on Sunday felicitated Indian soldiers who were killed in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

The government felicitated the families of 12 Indian soldiers --&nbsp;seven martyrs from the Indian Army, one from the Navy, two from the Air Force and two from the BSF. This is the second time that the Bangladesh government is honouring Indian soldiers.

The Bangladesh government sent a delegation to the Vijay Diwas programme in Kolkata on Sunday. The delegation was led by Member of Parliament, Madam Quazi Rosy and Bangladesh Liberation War Affairs Minister, Mozzamal Haque.

“This is for the first time when a Prime Minister has taken such a step to honour soldiers in their very country. Only Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina can do this. We are indebted towards India for liberating us. We can never forget what they did for us. No other nation can lay down their lives on the line of duty for some other nation,” said Haque. &nbsp;

“This was the second time that the honours were being presented to the families of martyrs of Indian forces who fought the Liberation War. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took the first initiative during her visit to Delhi in April 2017 when she met the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” added Haque.

The&nbsp;event took place in a joint ceremony at Fort William, Kolkata and was hosted by the Indian Army and the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission.

&nbsp;A 72-member delegation from Bangladesh, including 30 Mukti Joddhas and six serving officers of their armed forces, participated in the ceremony. Former Army commanders and the commanding officers of units that participated in the war also attended the programme in Kolkata.

A silver crest, a certificate, a personalized message by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two books by Bangabandhu Mujibar Rahman were presented to the families of each martyr.&nbsp;

“The Bangladeshi delegation felicitated our soldiers today. It is a great move as this will strengthen ties between India and Bangladesh. This is the second such initiative taken by the Bangladesh government. Our soldiers fought alongside to liberate Bangladesh and this day is observed as Victory Day in Bangladesh and we celebrate it as Vijay Diwas,” said Eastern Army Commander, Lt. Gen MM Naravane. &nbsp;

The Bangladesh government on Sunday felicitated Indian soldiers who were killed in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The government felicitated the families of 12 Indian soldiers -- seven martyrs from the Indian Army, one from the Navy, two from the Air Force and two from the BSF.

The Bangladesh government on Sunday felicitated Indian soldiers who were killed in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The government felicitated the families of 12 Indian soldiers -- seven martyrs from the Indian Army, one from the Navy, two from the Air Force and two from the BSF. This is the second time that the Bangladesh government is honouring Indian soldiers. The Bangladesh government sent a delegation to the Vijay Diwas programme in Kolkata on Sunday. The delegation was led by Member of Parliament, Madam Quazi Rosy and Bangladesh Liberation War Affairs Minister, Mozzamal Haque. “This is for the first time when a Prime Minister has taken such a step to honour soldiers in their very country. Only Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina can do this. We are indebted towards India for liberating us. We can never forget what they did for us. No other nation can lay down their lives on the line of duty for some other nation,” said Haque. “This was the second time that the honours were being presented to the families of martyrs of Indian forces who fought the Liberation War. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took the first initiative during her visit to Delhi in April 2017 when she met the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” added Haque. The event took place in a joint ceremony at Fort William, Kolkata and was hosted by the Indian Army and the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission. A 72-member delegation from Bangladesh, including 30 Mukti Joddhas and six serving officers of their armed forces, participated in the ceremony. Former Army commanders and the commanding officers of units that participated in the war also attended the programme in Kolkata. A silver crest, a certificate, a personalized message by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two books by Bangabandhu Mujibar Rahman were presented to the families of each martyr. “The Bangladeshi delegation felicitated our soldiers today. It is a great move as this will strengthen ties between India and Bangladesh. This is the second such initiative taken by the Bangladesh government. Our soldiers fought alongside to liberate Bangladesh and this day is observed as Victory Day in Bangladesh and we celebrate it as Vijay Diwas,” said Eastern Army Commander, Lt. Gen MM Naravane.

Bangladesh felicitates Indian soldiers who died in 1971 Liberation War

A senior Bangladesh opposition leader's motorcade was attacked Friday after he visited a mausoleum in Mirpur to pay tributes to intellectuals 
Killed in the 1971 independence war with Pakistan.

Jatiya Oikyafront leader Kamal Hossain's motorcade came under attack near the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial as he and other alliance leaders were getting in their cars, said Latiful Bari Hamim, a staff of the Oikyafront's media wing.

The Jatiya Oikyafront is an alliance of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Hossain-led Jatiya Oikya Prokriya, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, and Nagorik Oikya.

The Oikyafront was formed on October 13 with the demand of holding a national election under a neutral government after dissolution of parliament and release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia from jail.

At least 12 leaders and activists from the Oikya Front have been injured in the attack and about seven cars were vandalised, bdnews24.Com reported. 
However, Hossain was unhurt in the attack.

"We are here to pay tribute to the martyred intellectuals. We must uphold our independence and make it meaningful for everyone, as millions of martyrs have sacrificed their lives for it," Hossain said.

"We're working to create a beautiful society free of repression. We'll free the country from the clutches of those who work against our dreams. They will have to give in to our countrymen, no matter how powerful they are," he said.

The opposition said such attacks were designed to weaken them ahead of the poll on December 30.&nbsp;

The war in 1971 broke after the sudden crackdown at midnight past on March 25, 1971 in the erstwhile East Pakistan by the Pakistani troops and ended on December 16. The same year Pakistan conceded defeat and unconditionally surrendered in Dhaka to the allied forces comprising the freedom fighters and the Indian soldiers.

A senior Bangladesh opposition leader's motorcade was attacked Friday after he visited a mausoleum in Mirpur to pay tributes to intellectuals Killed in the 1971 independence war with Pakistan.

A senior Bangladesh opposition leader's motorcade was attacked Friday after he visited a mausoleum in Mirpur to pay tributes to intellectuals Killed in the 1971 independence war with Pakistan. Jatiya Oikyafront leader Kamal Hossain's motorcade came under attack near the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial as he and other alliance leaders were getting in their cars, said Latiful Bari Hamim, a staff of the Oikyafront's media wing. The Jatiya Oikyafront is an alliance of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Hossain-led Jatiya Oikya Prokriya, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, and Nagorik Oikya. The Oikyafront was formed on October 13 with the demand of holding a national election under a neutral government after dissolution of parliament and release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia from jail. At least 12 leaders and activists from the Oikya Front have been injured in the attack and about seven cars were vandalised, bdnews24.Com reported. However, Hossain was unhurt in the attack. "We are here to pay tribute to the martyred intellectuals. We must uphold our independence and make it meaningful for everyone, as millions of martyrs have sacrificed their lives for it," Hossain said. "We're working to create a beautiful society free of repression. We'll free the country from the clutches of those who work against our dreams. They will have to give in to our countrymen, no matter how powerful they are," he said. The opposition said such attacks were designed to weaken them ahead of the poll on December 30. The war in 1971 broke after the sudden crackdown at midnight past on March 25, 1971 in the erstwhile East Pakistan by the Pakistani troops and ended on December 16. The same year Pakistan conceded defeat and unconditionally surrendered in Dhaka to the allied forces comprising the freedom fighters and the Indian soldiers.

Senior Bangla opposition leader's motorcade attacked in Mirpur

Fresh from jail for dissent, and celebrated by Time magazine for fearless journalism, Shahidul Alam is not hiding as his native Bangladesh approaches an election he fears could be rigged.

More than 100 million voters are registered for the December 30 poll in the South Asia nation -- one of the world's largest democratic exercises.

But Alam, an award-winning photojournalist and activist, says a climate of fear gripping Bangladesh could keep many away from the ballot box and encourage self-censorship by the country's browbeaten free press.

"I hope for a free and fair election," he told AFP in an interview in Dhaka.

"But I am pretty certain that is not how it is going to be, based on how things are shaping up."

The opposition says its candidates have been disqualified and supporters jailed in a pre-election crackdown, and political rallies turned violent almost as soon as campaigning began.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is seeking a third-straight term, has been accused of intolerance to dissent and creeping authoritarianism in her nearly decade in power.

Alam, who this week was named one of Time magazine's "Persons of the Year" alongside other free-press champions, is no stranger to falling foul of her rule.

In August, in a television interview, Alam criticised the government's handling of major student rallies that were gripping Bangladesh.

He was arrested in a midnight raid on his home and charged with making "false" and "provocative" statements -- offences carrying a maximum 14 years in jail.

Hasina publicly derided the internationally renowned photographer as "mentally sick".

"I hope this sickness is something that is contagious, that many other people become sick like me and come out and speak the truth," Alam said.

His detention sparked global outrage and became a closely watched freedom of speech case.

Alam, 63, says he was beaten in custody so badly his tunic needed washing before he appeared in court.

There, in a defiant show of force, he raised his fist for the waiting cameras.

"I was hit. I was blindfolded. I was handcuffed. I was threatened with waterboarding", he told AFP of his stretch behind bars.

Police have denied assaulting Alam in custody.

'Let people speak'

After 108 days, he was released from prison in late November on bail.

But despite his torment, and facing serious jail time, Alam has refused to bow down as the election looms, warning Bangladesh is at a "critical juncture".

Hasina was elected unchallenged in 2014 after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party boycotted the vote, alleging it was rigged.

This time around the BNP, the main opposition party, is contesting the poll but without its leader Khaleda Zia, Hasina's chief rival and twice Bangladesh's prime minister.

Zia is behind bars on corruption charges her supporters say were politically motivated to keep her out of the race.

The opposition is yet is yet to nominate a challenger to Hasina, with other key figures in exile or also languishing in prison.

"The opposition is being arrested in hordes," Alam said.

"That does not bode well. It does not indicate the genuine intention of holding a free and fair election."

To compound matters, Bangladesh media was unwilling to "talk about things that are really happening" in the nation of 160 million along the Bay of Bengal, fearing retaliation.

Rights groups have accused Hasina of stifling dissent by wielding draconian laws to curb free speech, and using police and the courts to cow opponents

Alam said it was vital Bangladesh, and its democratic champions did not lose sight of what was at stake and kept up the fight in the coming weeks.

"We live in a free country, supposedly. Why not let people speak their will?" he said.

"It is time for me and everyone else to ensure a free, fair and participatory election takes place. And all of us should do everything in our power to ensure that happens."

Fresh from jail for dissent, and celebrated by Time magazine for fearless journalism, Shahidul Alam is not hiding as his native Bangladesh approaches an election he fears could be rigged.

Fresh from jail for dissent, and celebrated by Time magazine for fearless journalism, Shahidul Alam is not hiding as his native Bangladesh approaches an election he fears could be rigged. More than 100 million voters are registered for the December 30 poll in the South Asia nation -- one of the world's largest democratic exercises. But Alam, an award-winning photojournalist and activist, says a climate of fear gripping Bangladesh could keep many away from the ballot box and encourage self-censorship by the country's browbeaten free press. "I hope for a free and fair election," he told AFP in an interview in Dhaka. "But I am pretty certain that is not how it is going to be, based on how things are shaping up." The opposition says its candidates have been disqualified and supporters jailed in a pre-election crackdown, and political rallies turned violent almost as soon as campaigning began. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is seeking a third-straight term, has been accused of intolerance to dissent and creeping authoritarianism in her nearly decade in power. Alam, who this week was named one of Time magazine's "Persons of the Year" alongside other free-press champions, is no stranger to falling foul of her rule. In August, in a television interview, Alam criticised the government's handling of major student rallies that were gripping Bangladesh. He was arrested in a midnight raid on his home and charged with making "false" and "provocative" statements -- offences carrying a maximum 14 years in jail. Hasina publicly derided the internationally renowned photographer as "mentally sick". "I hope this sickness is something that is contagious, that many other people become sick like me and come out and speak the truth," Alam said. His detention sparked global outrage and became a closely watched freedom of speech case. Alam, 63, says he was beaten in custody so badly his tunic needed washing before he appeared in court. There, in a defiant show of force, he raised his fist for the waiting cameras. "I was hit. I was blindfolded. I was handcuffed. I was threatened with waterboarding", he told AFP of his stretch behind bars. Police have denied assaulting Alam in custody. 'Let people speak' After 108 days, he was released from prison in late November on bail. But despite his torment, and facing serious jail time, Alam has refused to bow down as the election looms, warning Bangladesh is at a "critical juncture". Hasina was elected unchallenged in 2014 after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party boycotted the vote, alleging it was rigged. This time around the BNP, the main opposition party, is contesting the poll but without its leader Khaleda Zia, Hasina's chief rival and twice Bangladesh's prime minister. Zia is behind bars on corruption charges her supporters say were politically motivated to keep her out of the race. The opposition is yet is yet to nominate a challenger to Hasina, with other key figures in exile or also languishing in prison. "The opposition is being arrested in hordes," Alam said. "That does not bode well. It does not indicate the genuine intention of holding a free and fair election." To compound matters, Bangladesh media was unwilling to "talk about things that are really happening" in the nation of 160 million along the Bay of Bengal, fearing retaliation. Rights groups have accused Hasina of stifling dissent by wielding draconian laws to curb free speech, and using police and the courts to cow opponents Alam said it was vital Bangladesh, and its democratic champions did not lose sight of what was at stake and kept up the fight in the coming weeks. "We live in a free country, supposedly. Why not let people speak their will?" he said. "It is time for me and everyone else to ensure a free, fair and participatory election takes place. And all of us should do everything in our power to ensure that happens."

Top dissident warns Bangladesh at 'critical juncture'

With less than a month to go to a general election, many journalists in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-briefly-shuts-dozens-of-online-news-sites-citing-security-concerns-183445">Bangladesh say</a> they are living in fear of ever-tightening media laws and engaging in self-censorship as a result.

While Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's administration has won plaudits globally for welcoming hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing persecution in Myanmar, critics have lashed out at it for cracking down on free speech and an increasingly authoritarian rule.

In interviews Reuters conducted with 32 journalists and editors across print, digital and broadcast media in Bangladesh, the vast majority said the recent strengthening of defamation laws with a new Digital Security Act (DSA) has spread a climate of fear in the industry.

Dozens of journalists were arrested for defamation under the earlier law, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act.

The DSA goes further - penalising obtaining papers, information, or pictures from government offices without official consent, said Asif Nazrul, a professor of Law at the University of Dhaka. "It would make investigative journalism on corruption, human rights abuses and bad governance very tough, if not impossible," he said.

Another piece of legislation, the Broadcast Act 2018, was proposed in October to regulate broadcast news portals.

Both laws restrict bail and allow arrests without a warrant.

The government has denied accusations it’s trying to curb press freedom and Hasina assured a press briefing in October that "journalists who do not publish false news need not worry" about the DSA.

Journalists, however, question the timing of the laws and have staged protests in recent weeks in the capital Dhaka, particularly against the DSA, which they say will thwart their ability to report independently, especially on the upcoming election.

Critics of Hasina, who is seeking a third straight term in power, say the Dec. 30 election will be a litmus test for the strength of democracy in Bangladesh. The last election in 2014 was boycotted by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as unfair and shunned by international observers, with more than half the seats uncontested.

Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, editor-in-chief of Manab Zamin, a popular Bengali-language daily, said self-censorship was becoming common.

"As an editor, I feel sad when I kill a report that was the outcome of several days of exhaustive work by a reporter. But I take the decision purely to save the reporter, because I know the risks involved in publishing it," he said. "I fight every moment with myself and with my shadow."

"DISTORTING THE TRUTH"

HT Imam, a member of the ruling Awami League and Hasina's political adviser, said journalists need not fear doing their jobs, and "can write on whatever is happening on the ground."

"But they should restrain themselves from distorting the truth – that is very important," he told Reuters. "You should not equate liberty with licence."

The government also says new licences to operate have been issued to several media organisations under Hasina's rule, indicating its support of an independent press.

But while Bangladesh has a bevy of news outlets, many journalists say they can't write as freely as they once did. The case of The Daily Star, the country’s most widely-circulated English newspaper, stands out:

"I used to write a column regularly and fearlessly. Now, I seldom do," said Mahfuz Anam, who has been the editor of The Daily Star for 25 years.

Anam was charged with defamation and treason in more than 80 cases filed by Awami League workers in 2016, with damages sought exceeding $8 billion. They were filed in various lower courts across Bangladesh, forcing him to run around the country seeking bail, and he's had to obtain periodic stays on them ever since.

Anam says his paper is barred from covering the prime minister's events, and advertisers have privately told him that officials have pressured them to stop advertising in his paper.

Two officials at two of Bangladesh's biggest telecom operators said the government had instructed them in 2015 to stop advertising in The Daily Star. They declined to be named for fear of reprisals.

"We never interfere or influence any private organization as it is completely their wish and right," Information Minister Hasanul Haq told Reuters, referring to the advertisers. He said decisions on who should be allowed to attend the prime minister's events were taken by Hasina's security department.

VAGUELY-WORDED LAWS

Government assurances that the laws won't be used against them have failed to assuage concerns of many journalists, who point to past arrests.

While the police says it doesn't maintain figures on detained journalists, global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders says at least 25 journalists and several hundred bloggers and Facebook users were prosecuted under the ICT Act in 2017 alone.

The new DSA has "vaguely-worded provisions that would allow authorities to clamp down even more on dissent," the group said.

Under the proposed broadcast law, media outlets publishing or broadcasting anything deemed to be "false" or against national interest could be fined, lose licences or see their staff jailed.

It's unclear how the election results might impact media freedoms. The BNP says it would strike down the DSA if it wins, but it cracked down on media organisations seen as unfriendly when it was in power more than a decade ago.

Bangladesh now ranks 148th out of 180 countries on the press freedom index compiled by Reporters Without Borders, sliding from 121 in 2009 when Hasina came to power. Haq, the information minister, said the ranking was not fair as it reflected views of only private organisations. "It could be standard if it reflected both government and private views."

Many journalists say there is a growing and conspicuous silence on public criticism of the government, especially online.

Those who speak out have faced action: On July 13, a day after Hasina told parliament it was impossible to accede to some student demands, Maidul Islam, a university professor, posted two words on Facebook "Hasi Na." In the Bengali language, the words mean "Not Laughing."

Days later, an activist backing the Awami League filed a complaint against Islam under the ICT Act, accusing him of defaming the prime minister. Islam was arrested and jailed for more than a month before he got bail, and if he loses the case he faces up to 14 years in prison.

With less than a month to go to a general election, many journalists in Bangladesh say they are living in fear of ever-tightening media laws and engaging in self-censorship as a result.

With less than a month to go to a general election, many journalists in Bangladesh say they are living in fear of ever-tightening media laws and engaging in self-censorship as a result. While Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's administration has won plaudits globally for welcoming hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing persecution in Myanmar, critics have lashed out at it for cracking down on free speech and an increasingly authoritarian rule. In interviews Reuters conducted with 32 journalists and editors across print, digital and broadcast media in Bangladesh, the vast majority said the recent strengthening of defamation laws with a new Digital Security Act (DSA) has spread a climate of fear in the industry. Dozens of journalists were arrested for defamation under the earlier law, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act. The DSA goes further - penalising obtaining papers, information, or pictures from government offices without official consent, said Asif Nazrul, a professor of Law at the University of Dhaka. "It would make investigative journalism on corruption, human rights abuses and bad governance very tough, if not impossible," he said. Another piece of legislation, the Broadcast Act 2018, was proposed in October to regulate broadcast news portals. Both laws restrict bail and allow arrests without a warrant. The government has denied accusations it’s trying to curb press freedom and Hasina assured a press briefing in October that "journalists who do not publish false news need not worry" about the DSA. Journalists, however, question the timing of the laws and have staged protests in recent weeks in the capital Dhaka, particularly against the DSA, which they say will thwart their ability to report independently, especially on the upcoming election. Critics of Hasina, who is seeking a third straight term in power, say the Dec. 30 election will be a litmus test for the strength of democracy in Bangladesh. The last election in 2014 was boycotted by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as unfair and shunned by international observers, with more than half the seats uncontested. Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, editor-in-chief of Manab Zamin, a popular Bengali-language daily, said self-censorship was becoming common. "As an editor, I feel sad when I kill a report that was the outcome of several days of exhaustive work by a reporter. But I take the decision purely to save the reporter, because I know the risks involved in publishing it," he said. "I fight every moment with myself and with my shadow." "DISTORTING THE TRUTH" HT Imam, a member of the ruling Awami League and Hasina's political adviser, said journalists need not fear doing their jobs, and "can write on whatever is happening on the ground." "But they should restrain themselves from distorting the truth – that is very important," he told Reuters. "You should not equate liberty with licence." The government also says new licences to operate have been issued to several media organisations under Hasina's rule, indicating its support of an independent press. But while Bangladesh has a bevy of news outlets, many journalists say they can't write as freely as they once did. The case of The Daily Star, the country’s most widely-circulated English newspaper, stands out: "I used to write a column regularly and fearlessly. Now, I seldom do," said Mahfuz Anam, who has been the editor of The Daily Star for 25 years. Anam was charged with defamation and treason in more than 80 cases filed by Awami League workers in 2016, with damages sought exceeding $8 billion. They were filed in various lower courts across Bangladesh, forcing him to run around the country seeking bail, and he's had to obtain periodic stays on them ever since. Anam says his paper is barred from covering the prime minister's events, and advertisers have privately told him that officials have pressured them to stop advertising in his paper. Two officials at two of Bangladesh's biggest telecom operators said the government had instructed them in 2015 to stop advertising in The Daily Star. They declined to be named for fear of reprisals. "We never interfere or influence any private organization as it is completely their wish and right," Information Minister Hasanul Haq told Reuters, referring to the advertisers. He said decisions on who should be allowed to attend the prime minister's events were taken by Hasina's security department. VAGUELY-WORDED LAWS Government assurances that the laws won't be used against them have failed to assuage concerns of many journalists, who point to past arrests. While the police says it doesn't maintain figures on detained journalists, global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders says at least 25 journalists and several hundred bloggers and Facebook users were prosecuted under the ICT Act in 2017 alone. The new DSA has "vaguely-worded provisions that would allow authorities to clamp down even more on dissent," the group said. Under the proposed broadcast law, media outlets publishing or broadcasting anything deemed to be "false" or against national interest could be fined, lose licences or see their staff jailed. It's unclear how the election results might impact media freedoms. The BNP says it would strike down the DSA if it wins, but it cracked down on media organisations seen as unfriendly when it was in power more than a decade ago. Bangladesh now ranks 148th out of 180 countries on the press freedom index compiled by Reporters Without Borders, sliding from 121 in 2009 when Hasina came to power. Haq, the information minister, said the ranking was not fair as it reflected views of only private organisations. "It could be standard if it reflected both government and private views." Many journalists say there is a growing and conspicuous silence on public criticism of the government, especially online. Those who speak out have faced action: On July 13, a day after Hasina told parliament it was impossible to accede to some student demands, Maidul Islam, a university professor, posted two words on Facebook "Hasi Na." In the Bengali language, the words mean "Not Laughing." Days later, an activist backing the Awami League filed a complaint against Islam under the ICT Act, accusing him of defaming the prime minister. Islam was arrested and jailed for more than a month before he got bail, and if he loses the case he faces up to 14 years in prison.

In fear of the state, Bangladeshi journalists self-censor as election approaches

A leaked seven-minute phone conversation between Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and a purported staffer of the Pakistani spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence has been reported in the Bangladeshi media.&nbsp;

The conversation seems to indicate Pakistan might be interfering in Bangladesh's internal matters.&nbsp;

The leaked conversation, which WION has accessed, suggests Mosharraf Hossain, who is also a member of the BNP standing committee, was hoping for Chinese money.&nbsp;

"I will meet your man here… you can get the message. But now what I like to request you that, from your side...if you can cooperate with China. Then in Bangladesh, it will be useful before the election," Mosharraf Hossain says in the conversation.&nbsp;

Explaining that his situation is not good, Moshaarraf Hossain says, "We are really now in crisis. I have several cases. And with the excuse of one case… my passport is seized. I can’t go out of the country. This is my position."

Ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan have not been good.&nbsp;

Bangladesh recently refused to accept Saqlain Syedah as the Pakistani High Commissioner. Bangladesh even boycotted the 2016 SAARC summit which was to take place in Islamabad.&nbsp;

Reacting to the development, Bangladesh Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu said, "It has been reported that one of the BNP leaders is directly in touch with known ISI agent. Well, in Bangladesh for the last few years, allegation have been there that BNP and Jamaat, who were the direct collaborators of Pak military junta during the liberation war, for having a good connection with Pak intelligence network. It's election season, still connectivity going on to block the electoral process."

BNP is largely seen as an anti-India Party with links to Pakistan.

Meanwhile, according to the Dhaka Tribune, Mosharraf has said in a statement that the telephone conversation is "baseless" and has been aired on "purpose to tarnish his image".&nbsp;

The development comes ahead of the December 30 polls.&nbsp;

The Shiekh Hasina-led Awami League is hoping to win another term while the BNP is under pressure with its chief Khaleda Zia being barred from standing for the polls.&nbsp;

Here is the full transcript of the conversation between BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and the purported ISI staffer:&nbsp;

Mosharrof: Hello Assalamualaikum brother!

Mehmood: Assalamualaikum brother. How are you?

Mosharrof: Fine, Thank you.

Mehmood: I am really pleased to hear you after a long time...

Mosharrof: Yeah! Yeah! You remember we met last time in Islamabad? Hotel...

Mehmood: Yes… yes!

Mosharrof: And... you know that with whom you visited me?

Mehmood: Yes… yes!

Mosharrof: How are you? Where are you now?

Mehmood: I am Alhamdulillah fine and I am here at Dubai now. So...I think… we can…&nbsp; 
sometimes… whenever you are available… whenever you manage… we can… you need to meet me first! If it is possible for you.

Mosharrof: Yes… Can I explain? You know that… we are really now in crisis. I have several cases. And with the excuse of one case… my Passport is seized. I can’t go out of the country. This is my position.

Mehmood: I think… once you met one of our office holders there also. Am I &nbsp;right?

Mosharrof: Yes...yes. I met your man here.

Mehmood: Yeah… It’s Okay. But it is necessary… if you manage to come one day...

Mosharrof: Yeah… I would love to do that… and I know that if I could come, it would be more fruitful! But what I want to tell you i this opportunity is that… from your side, you can try to help us. We are in crisis. You know everything.

Mehmood: Yes…

Mosharrof: You know everything I think...

Mehmood: Sure! That’s why… that’s why… I said… you are our only friend there now. We wanted to discuss all this with you...

Mosharrof: Yes… I want to be… and I am still what you think! But practical connection… communication is impossible for me to come out! I know that it would be fruitful… but what I want to mean that… I will meet your man here… you can get the message. But now what I like to request you that, from your side...if you can cooperate with China. Then in Bangladesh it will be useful before the election.&nbsp;

Mehmood: Yes, absolutely! That is already on the table. And it is being done. That’s why, we wanted to do….as a representative whenever it is possible to visit the places it would have been better. Because, in person...you would have talked to them also. But now as you are saying that...it is not possible for you…

Mosharrof: Personally if you want from your this office....if you want any alternative person...I can arrange. But for me...it is not possible.&nbsp;

Mehmood: Okay...okay! I understood your point. And along with this...keep trying… may be one… sometime...if it is possible for you to come over for some reasons...may be on medical reason… or may be on Omrah etc. So we can arrange meeting with you there. But meanwhile...we will try to contact you through somebody there at our office. Is it okay?

Mosharrof: Yes. If you can assign somebody from your office here, I can try and different time I can communicate to you or your side.&nbsp;

Mehmood: Yeah...sometimes...we will continue to each other. I got your point what you have told me. I will definitely convey this to my boss, and he will work on this. And I will apprise you about it. And at the same time...we will see how to remain in communication from your place. And continue finding the possibility outside also...right..

Mosharrof: Thank you very much...Thank you!

Mehmood: Thank you very much...and very kind! And kindly remain in touch! Because, it is crucial time for all of us. And we have to cooperate; and move forward for our aim to achieve In Sha Allah!

Mosharrof: Yes! What we also think very seriously...that we need to cooperate each other. We are in crisis, we need help!

Mehmood: Yes… yes! We understand that. Is is already on the table...and that’s why we said...we thought...why not to...sometime finding the possibility to meet you? But as you suspect it is not possible...it is little difficult. So we will find out how to communicate with you. And at the same time continue our effort, to meet you sometime...somewhere. Okay?

Mosharrof: Okay...Thank you! I will also try. I’ll keep trying to get my Passport back, so that we can arrange that.

Mehmood: Yes…

Mosharrof: And I can communicate with your man here.

Mehmood: Okay...I’ll you know about this option also...communicating with the man there. And at the same time...we’ll remain in communication In Sha Allah!

Mosharrof: Yes...I want to add contact with you. And you can consider me as your old friend.&nbsp;

Mehmood: Yes...yes! That’s why you know...I have made an effort to contact you…!

Mosharrof: Thank you very much for your cooperation! And I know that you did not forget us! That’s why you have tried your best to communicate with me.

Mehmood: Yes...Yes…

Mosharrof: I will be in communication with you. Through our friend, we will be in contact.

Mehmood: In Sha Allah...And regards to you and your family

Mosharrof: Thank you very much...Allah hafez!

Mehmood: Allah hafez! Asssalamualaikum!

A leaked seven-minute phone conversation between Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and a purported staffer of the Pakistani spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence has been reported in the Bangladeshi media.

A leaked seven-minute phone conversation between Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and a purported staffer of the Pakistani spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence has been reported in the Bangladeshi media. The conversation seems to indicate Pakistan might be interfering in Bangladesh's internal matters. The leaked conversation, which WION has accessed, suggests Mosharraf Hossain, who is also a member of the BNP standing committee, was hoping for Chinese money. "I will meet your man here… you can get the message. But now what I like to request you that, from your side...if you can cooperate with China. Then in Bangladesh, it will be useful before the election," Mosharraf Hossain says in the conversation. Explaining that his situation is not good, Moshaarraf Hossain says, "We are really now in crisis. I have several cases. And with the excuse of one case… my passport is seized. I can’t go out of the country. This is my position." Ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan have not been good. Bangladesh recently refused to accept Saqlain Syedah as the Pakistani High Commissioner. Bangladesh even boycotted the 2016 SAARC summit which was to take place in Islamabad. Reacting to the development, Bangladesh Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu said, "It has been reported that one of the BNP leaders is directly in touch with known ISI agent. Well, in Bangladesh for the last few years, allegation have been there that BNP and Jamaat, who were the direct collaborators of Pak military junta during the liberation war, for having a good connection with Pak intelligence network. It's election season, still connectivity going on to block the electoral process." BNP is largely seen as an anti-India Party with links to Pakistan. Meanwhile, according to the Dhaka Tribune, Mosharraf has said in a statement that the telephone conversation is "baseless" and has been aired on "purpose to tarnish his image". The development comes ahead of the December 30 polls. The Shiekh Hasina-led Awami League is hoping to win another term while the BNP is under pressure with its chief Khaleda Zia being barred from standing for the polls. Here is the full transcript of the conversation between BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and the purported ISI staffer: Mosharrof: Hello Assalamualaikum brother! Mehmood: Assalamualaikum brother. How are you? Mosharrof: Fine, Thank you. Mehmood: I am really pleased to hear you after a long time... Mosharrof: Yeah! Yeah! You remember we met last time in Islamabad? Hotel... Mehmood: Yes… yes! Mosharrof: And... you know that with whom you visited me? Mehmood: Yes… yes! Mosharrof: How are you? Where are you now? Mehmood: I am Alhamdulillah fine and I am here at Dubai now. So...I think… we can… sometimes… whenever you are available… whenever you manage… we can… you need to meet me first! If it is possible for you. Mosharrof: Yes… Can I explain? You know that… we are really now in crisis. I have several cases. And with the excuse of one case… my Passport is seized. I can’t go out of the country. This is my position. Mehmood: I think… once you met one of our office holders there also. Am I right? Mosharrof: Yes...yes. I met your man here. Mehmood: Yeah… It’s Okay. But it is necessary… if you manage to come one day... Mosharrof: Yeah… I would love to do that… and I know that if I could come, it would be more fruitful! But what I want to tell you i this opportunity is that… from your side, you can try to help us. We are in crisis. You know everything. Mehmood: Yes… Mosharrof: You know everything I think... Mehmood: Sure! That’s why… that’s why… I said… you are our only friend there now. We wanted to discuss all this with you... Mosharrof: Yes… I want to be… and I am still what you think! But practical connection… communication is impossible for me to come out! I know that it would be fruitful… but what I want to mean that… I will meet your man here… you can get the message. But now what I like to request you that, from your side...if you can cooperate with China. Then in Bangladesh it will be useful before the election. Mehmood: Yes, absolutely! That is already on the table. And it is being done. That’s why, we wanted to do….as a representative whenever it is possible to visit the places it would have been better. Because, in person...you would have talked to them also. But now as you are saying that...it is not possible for you… Mosharrof: Personally if you want from your this office....if you want any alternative person...I can arrange. But for me...it is not possible. Mehmood: Okay...okay! I understood your point. And along with this...keep trying… may be one… sometime...if it is possible for you to come over for some reasons...may be on medical reason… or may be on Omrah etc. So we can arrange meeting with you there. But meanwhile...we will try to contact you through somebody there at our office. Is it okay? Mosharrof: Yes. If you can assign somebody from your office here, I can try and different time I can communicate to you or your side. Mehmood: Yeah...sometimes...we will continue to each other. I got your point what you have told me. I will definitely convey this to my boss, and he will work on this. And I will apprise you about it. And at the same time...we will see how to remain in communication from your place. And continue finding the possibility outside also...right.. Mosharrof: Thank you very much...Thank you! Mehmood: Thank you very much...and very kind! And kindly remain in touch! Because, it is crucial time for all of us. And we have to cooperate; and move forward for our aim to achieve In Sha Allah! Mosharrof: Yes! What we also think very seriously...that we need to cooperate each other. We are in crisis, we need help! Mehmood: Yes… yes! We understand that. Is is already on the table...and that’s why we said...we thought...why not to...sometime finding the possibility to meet you? But as you suspect it is not possible...it is little difficult. So we will find out how to communicate with you. And at the same time continue our effort, to meet you sometime...somewhere. Okay? Mosharrof: Okay...Thank you! I will also try. I’ll keep trying to get my Passport back, so that we can arrange that. Mehmood: Yes… Mosharrof: And I can communicate with your man here. Mehmood: Okay...I’ll you know about this option also...communicating with the man there. And at the same time...we’ll remain in communication In Sha Allah! Mosharrof: Yes...I want to add contact with you. And you can consider me as your old friend. Mehmood: Yes...yes! That’s why you know...I have made an effort to contact you…! Mosharrof: Thank you very much for your cooperation! And I know that you did not forget us! That’s why you have tried your best to communicate with me. Mehmood: Yes...Yes… Mosharrof: I will be in communication with you. Through our friend, we will be in contact. Mehmood: In Sha Allah...And regards to you and your family Mosharrof: Thank you very much...Allah hafez! Mehmood: Allah hafez! Asssalamualaikum!

Leaked phone conversation seems to suggest Pak might be meddling in Bangladesh elections

Messages of solidarity poured in Wednesday from around the world on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rally-to-mark-one-year-since-arrest-of-myanmar-reuters-journalists-183375">one-year anniversary of the arrest of two Myanmar Reuters journalists</a> who exposed a massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state.

Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, were <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/timeline-reuters-journalists-detained-in-myanmar-161794">arrested in Yangon on December 12</a> and handed seven-year jail sentences under a state secrets law as they probed the extrajudicial killing of 10 Rohingya men during the military's brutal crackdown on the stateless minority last year.

The guilty verdict sparked global condemnation, including from US Vice President Mike Pence, and Reuters hired prominent rights attorney Amal Clooney to assist with the case.

The reporters were also honoured alongside other persecuted or slain journalists in Time magazine's Person of the Year issue this week as concerns grow for deteriorating press freedoms in Myanmar and elsewhere in the world.

Despite a tenacious advocacy campaign the two men remain behind bars, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jailed-myanmar-reuters-reporters-to-file-appeal-174223">with an appeal set for later this month</a>.

"The fact that they remain in prison for a crime they did not commit calls into question Myanmar's commitment to democracy, freedom of expression and rule of law," Reuters editor-in-chief Stephen J. Adler said in a statement on the anniversary of the arrest.

Social media platforms have filled with images of supporters making the "thumbs up" gesture that became a hallmark of the pair's court appearances.

A rally with journalists and activists is due to take place in downtown Yangon on Wednesday afternoon.

"We will face it (the verdict) with stability and courage," Wa Lone said after the sentence was handed down in September.

"The government can detain us in the prison but... Don't close the ears and eyes of the people," Kyaw Soe Oo said.

Their personal ordeal has also moved many who have followed the case. Both men are fathers and Wa Lone's wife Pan Ei Mon gave birth to their first child shortly before he was convicted.

One of the Time covers shared widely online features Pan Ei Mon and Kyaw Soe Oo's wife Chit Su Win holding photos of their imprisoned husbands.

The magazine jointly honoured a number of journalists -- including the slain columnist Jamal Khashoggi, Philippine journalist Maria Ressa and the workforce of the US newspaper Capital Gazette, five of whose staff were killed in a June shooting -- "for taking great risks in pursuit of greater truths".

The reporters' trial was widely regarded as a sham -- and punishment for reporting on the September 2017 massacre in Inn Din village led by Myanmar security forces.

One whistleblowing police officer told the court his superior ordered a sting to entrap the reporters -- testimony the judge chose to ignore.

Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi remained defiant when pressed on the case, insisting that due process was followed.

Her reaction further tarnished her image as a democracy icon overseas after she refused to speak up for the Rohingya during the crackdown.

More than 720,000 Rohingya Muslims fled over the border into refugee camps in Bangladesh, bringing with them horrific reports of widespread murder, torture, rape and arson.

UN investigators have called for top generals to be prosecuted for genocide and accused Suu Kyi and her government of complicity. 
Myanmar rejects almost all allegations, saying it was defending itself against Rohingya militants.

But a court did convict soldiers accused of carrying out the Inn Din massacre to 10 years each.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Messages of solidarity poured in Wednesday from around the world on the one-year anniversary of the arrest of two Myanmar Reuters journalists who exposed a massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state.

Messages of solidarity poured in Wednesday from around the world on the one-year anniversary of the arrest of two Myanmar Reuters journalists who exposed a massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state. Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, were arrested in Yangon on December 12 and handed seven-year jail sentences under a state secrets law as they probed the extrajudicial killing of 10 Rohingya men during the military's brutal crackdown on the stateless minority last year. The guilty verdict sparked global condemnation, including from US Vice President Mike Pence, and Reuters hired prominent rights attorney Amal Clooney to assist with the case. The reporters were also honoured alongside other persecuted or slain journalists in Time magazine's Person of the Year issue this week as concerns grow for deteriorating press freedoms in Myanmar and elsewhere in the world. Despite a tenacious advocacy campaign the two men remain behind bars, with an appeal set for later this month. "The fact that they remain in prison for a crime they did not commit calls into question Myanmar's commitment to democracy, freedom of expression and rule of law," Reuters editor-in-chief Stephen J. Adler said in a statement on the anniversary of the arrest. Social media platforms have filled with images of supporters making the "thumbs up" gesture that became a hallmark of the pair's court appearances. A rally with journalists and activists is due to take place in downtown Yangon on Wednesday afternoon. "We will face it (the verdict) with stability and courage," Wa Lone said after the sentence was handed down in September. "The government can detain us in the prison but... Don't close the ears and eyes of the people," Kyaw Soe Oo said. Their personal ordeal has also moved many who have followed the case. Both men are fathers and Wa Lone's wife Pan Ei Mon gave birth to their first child shortly before he was convicted. One of the Time covers shared widely online features Pan Ei Mon and Kyaw Soe Oo's wife Chit Su Win holding photos of their imprisoned husbands. The magazine jointly honoured a number of journalists -- including the slain columnist Jamal Khashoggi, Philippine journalist Maria Ressa and the workforce of the US newspaper Capital Gazette, five of whose staff were killed in a June shooting -- "for taking great risks in pursuit of greater truths". The reporters' trial was widely regarded as a sham -- and punishment for reporting on the September 2017 massacre in Inn Din village led by Myanmar security forces. One whistleblowing police officer told the court his superior ordered a sting to entrap the reporters -- testimony the judge chose to ignore. Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi remained defiant when pressed on the case, insisting that due process was followed. Her reaction further tarnished her image as a democracy icon overseas after she refused to speak up for the Rohingya during the crackdown. More than 720,000 Rohingya Muslims fled over the border into refugee camps in Bangladesh, bringing with them horrific reports of widespread murder, torture, rape and arson. UN investigators have called for top generals to be prosecuted for genocide and accused Suu Kyi and her government of complicity. Myanmar rejects almost all allegations, saying it was defending itself against Rohingya militants. But a court did convict soldiers accused of carrying out the Inn Din massacre to 10 years each.

'Thumbs up' pics for Myanmar Reuters reporters as they mark year in jail

Bangladesh's telecoms regulator shut down dozens of online news portals for several hours on Monday, citing security reasons, as officials scrutinise hundreds of sites before a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-dead-dozens-injured-in-bangladesh-clashes-as-election-nears-183442">parliamentary election this month</a>.

The move comes as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government is already facing criticism for introducing laws that many journalists fear are aimed at curbing press freedom.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) asked International Internet Gateway (IIG) operators to block 58 news sites, BTRC spokesman Zakir Hossain Khan said, without elaborating on the security concerns. The portals were inaccessible for at least 12 hours.

"When an issue is raised to us by the commission which is related to law and order of the country, we are bound to comply," IIG President Sarwar Alam Shikder said.

The 58 sites were found to be not registered with the information ministry and therefore their content was being examined, said Abdul Malek, an official at the ministry.

"It is the responsibility of this ministry to bring all news portals under a system so that they can run smoothly," he said, adding that hundreds of websites were under scrutiny.

While Hasina's government has won widespread global praise for letting in hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar, its critics have decried her increasingly authoritarian rule, the government's handling of student protests this year and its crackdown on free speech.

The election is being held on December 30.

Bangladesh's telecoms regulator shut down dozens of online news portals for several hours on Monday, citing security reasons, as officials scrutinise hundreds of sites before a parliamentary election this month.

Bangladesh's telecoms regulator shut down dozens of online news portals for several hours on Monday, citing security reasons, as officials scrutinise hundreds of sites before a parliamentary election this month. The move comes as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government is already facing criticism for introducing laws that many journalists fear are aimed at curbing press freedom. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) asked International Internet Gateway (IIG) operators to block 58 news sites, BTRC spokesman Zakir Hossain Khan said, without elaborating on the security concerns. The portals were inaccessible for at least 12 hours. "When an issue is raised to us by the commission which is related to law and order of the country, we are bound to comply," IIG President Sarwar Alam Shikder said. The 58 sites were found to be not registered with the information ministry and therefore their content was being examined, said Abdul Malek, an official at the ministry. "It is the responsibility of this ministry to bring all news portals under a system so that they can run smoothly," he said, adding that hundreds of websites were under scrutiny. While Hasina's government has won widespread global praise for letting in hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar, its critics have decried her increasingly authoritarian rule, the government's handling of student protests this year and its crackdown on free speech. The election is being held on December 30.

Bangladesh briefly shuts dozens of online news sites, citing security concerns

The Bangladesh High Court on Tuesday delivered a split verdict over whether imprisoned former prime minister and main opposition BNP chief Khaleda Zia should be allowed to contest the upcoming general election even as campaigning began for the December 30 polls.

One of the judges of the two-member High Court bench favoured Zia's candidacy while the other ruled that she was disqualified from the polls for being a convicted prisoner serving a 10-year jail term in two graft cases, court officials and lawyers said.

"As the two judges could not reach a consensus, in line with the practice, they referred the matter to the chief justice who will now send the case to another bench for hearing the case," an official said.

The ruling came after 73-year-old Zia challenged an earlier decision of the Election Commission to scrap her candidacy as the ex-premier filed nomination papers for contesting polls from three constituencies.

Senior judge of the bench Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed in his ruling asked the EC to accept Zia's nomination and simultaneously sought the commission's explanation on why its decision to scrap her candidacy should not be declared illegal.

But the other judge Justice Iqbal Kabir, on the other hand, blocked Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Zia from contesting the polls.

Zia on December 9 had challenged the EC order disqualifying her from contesting the polls while the High Court had earlier ruled that those jailed for more than two years, with their appeals pending in court, cannot contest polls.

She has been in prison since February this year when a lower court sentenced her to a five-year term in the first of two corruption cases while a special court in Dhaka has ordered her appearance in a third graft case.

Meanwhile, formal campaigning for the polls started on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina began the campaign for her Awami League from southwestern Tungipara sub-district, the birthplace of her father and Bangladesh's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who was assassinated in a 1975 coup along with most of his family members.

Hasina is contesting polls from the Tungipara constituency while she is set to travel across Bangladesh to rally support for her party candidates and alliance partners, including former president H M Ershad's Jatiya Party.

The Awami League's arch-rival BNP also launched its campaign in the absence of party chairperson Zia and her son and 'fugitive' acting chief Tarique Rahman.

Rahman is now living in London ostensibly to evade the law after a court sentenced him to life imprisonment for masterminding a grenade attack in 2004 that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists.

The absence of the two top BNP leaders has pushed the party into a state of disarray.

The BNP had boycotted the previous 2014 polls demanding an election time neutral non-party government and instead waged a violent street campaign in subsequent years.

Analysts say political and legal considerations have forced the BNP to take part in the upcoming polls as it could lose its registration with the EC as a political party if it boycotted polls for the second consecutive time even as it faces structural erosion from within.

The BNP recently joined the new opposition alliance National Unity Front (NUF) under the leadership of eminent jurist Kamal Hossain.&nbsp;

The Bangladesh High Court on Tuesday delivered a split verdict over whether imprisoned former prime minister and main opposition BNP chief Khaleda Zia should be allowed to contest the upcoming general election even as campaigning began for the December 30 polls.

The Bangladesh High Court on Tuesday delivered a split verdict over whether imprisoned former prime minister and main opposition BNP chief Khaleda Zia should be allowed to contest the upcoming general election even as campaigning began for the December 30 polls. One of the judges of the two-member High Court bench favoured Zia's candidacy while the other ruled that she was disqualified from the polls for being a convicted prisoner serving a 10-year jail term in two graft cases, court officials and lawyers said. "As the two judges could not reach a consensus, in line with the practice, they referred the matter to the chief justice who will now send the case to another bench for hearing the case," an official said. The ruling came after 73-year-old Zia challenged an earlier decision of the Election Commission to scrap her candidacy as the ex-premier filed nomination papers for contesting polls from three constituencies. Senior judge of the bench Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed in his ruling asked the EC to accept Zia's nomination and simultaneously sought the commission's explanation on why its decision to scrap her candidacy should not be declared illegal. But the other judge Justice Iqbal Kabir, on the other hand, blocked Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Zia from contesting the polls. Zia on December 9 had challenged the EC order disqualifying her from contesting the polls while the High Court had earlier ruled that those jailed for more than two years, with their appeals pending in court, cannot contest polls. She has been in prison since February this year when a lower court sentenced her to a five-year term in the first of two corruption cases while a special court in Dhaka has ordered her appearance in a third graft case. Meanwhile, formal campaigning for the polls started on Tuesday. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina began the campaign for her Awami League from southwestern Tungipara sub-district, the birthplace of her father and Bangladesh's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who was assassinated in a 1975 coup along with most of his family members. Hasina is contesting polls from the Tungipara constituency while she is set to travel across Bangladesh to rally support for her party candidates and alliance partners, including former president H M Ershad's Jatiya Party. The Awami League's arch-rival BNP also launched its campaign in the absence of party chairperson Zia and her son and 'fugitive' acting chief Tarique Rahman. Rahman is now living in London ostensibly to evade the law after a court sentenced him to life imprisonment for masterminding a grenade attack in 2004 that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists. The absence of the two top BNP leaders has pushed the party into a state of disarray. The BNP had boycotted the previous 2014 polls demanding an election time neutral non-party government and instead waged a violent street campaign in subsequent years. Analysts say political and legal considerations have forced the BNP to take part in the upcoming polls as it could lose its registration with the EC as a political party if it boycotted polls for the second consecutive time even as it faces structural erosion from within. The BNP recently joined the new opposition alliance National Unity Front (NUF) under the leadership of eminent jurist Kamal Hossain.

Bangladesh High Court splits its judgement on permitting BNP's Khaleda Zia to contest polls

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