<a href="http://www.wionews.com/bangladesh">Bangladesh</a>’s main opposition alliance has written to the Election Commission seeking action to end what it says are violent attacks against its workers by ruling party activists and the arrests of candidates on trumped-up charges.

At least 14 candidates in the December 30 election under the National Unity Front alliance have been arrested in "fictitious cases" in recent weeks, the alliance said in a letter dated Tuesday, a copy of which was seen by Reuters.

Some 1,500 opposition workers have suffered injuries since December 2, an alliance spokesman said separately.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-as-tension-soar-before-general-election-opposition-alliance-campaigns-outside-dhaka-184469">Elections in&nbsp;Bangladesh</a>&nbsp;are often marred by violent clashes, but the opposition alliance says the ruling party is trying to cripple its campaign by locking up, threatening and attacking its workers.

“We demand an immediate release of these candidates on bail and also request the issuance of instructions that no further candidates be arrested with an intention to harass,” the alliance said, also accusing the police of aiding the attacks, often dressed in plainclothes.

“The Higher Court must issue directives on forbidding any law enforcers performing duties in civil dress,” it said.

Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-ruling-awami-party-promises-growth-in-bid-for-third-term-in-election-manifesto-185295">Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League</a>, which is seeking a third straight term in power, has denied the allegations.

Police spokesman Sohel Rana said people could file complaints and "we will look into the allegation and take proper action".

Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda did not respond to calls requesting comment.

The opposition letter comes after Mahbub Talukdar, one of the five commissioners that make up&nbsp;Bangladesh's Election Commission said there was "no level-playing field at all" between contesting parties. His comments were dismissed as "untrue" by Huda.

Hasina’s government, while credited for improving&nbsp;Bangladesh’s economy, has been criticised by rights groups for suppressing dissent and sweeping arrests of opposition workers.

Violent clashes have broken out across the country since campaigning began last week, and two Awami League workers have also died.

More than 20,000 paramilitary troops have been deployed and the army is scheduled to be deployed on December 24.

Bangladesh’s main opposition alliance has written to the Election Commission seeking action to end what it says are violent attacks against its workers by ruling party activists and the arrests of candidates on trumped-up charges.

Bangladesh’s main opposition alliance has written to the Election Commission seeking action to end what it says are violent attacks against its workers by ruling party activists and the arrests of candidates on trumped-up charges. At least 14 candidates in the December 30 election under the National Unity Front alliance have been arrested in "fictitious cases" in recent weeks, the alliance said in a letter dated Tuesday, a copy of which was seen by Reuters. Some 1,500 opposition workers have suffered injuries since December 2, an alliance spokesman said separately. Elections in Bangladesh are often marred by violent clashes, but the opposition alliance says the ruling party is trying to cripple its campaign by locking up, threatening and attacking its workers. “We demand an immediate release of these candidates on bail and also request the issuance of instructions that no further candidates be arrested with an intention to harass,” the alliance said, also accusing the police of aiding the attacks, often dressed in plainclothes. “The Higher Court must issue directives on forbidding any law enforcers performing duties in civil dress,” it said. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, which is seeking a third straight term in power, has denied the allegations. Police spokesman Sohel Rana said people could file complaints and "we will look into the allegation and take proper action". Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda did not respond to calls requesting comment. The opposition letter comes after Mahbub Talukdar, one of the five commissioners that make up Bangladesh's Election Commission said there was "no level-playing field at all" between contesting parties. His comments were dismissed as "untrue" by Huda. Hasina’s government, while credited for improving Bangladesh’s economy, has been criticised by rights groups for suppressing dissent and sweeping arrests of opposition workers. Violent clashes have broken out across the country since campaigning began last week, and two Awami League workers have also died. More than 20,000 paramilitary troops have been deployed and the army is scheduled to be deployed on December 24.

Ahead of polls, Bangladesh opposition alliance demands action over attacks

Bangladesh's politics has been more of a tussle between two women who have ruled over the country, taking turns, for nearly three decades now. Incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her arch-rival Khaleda Zia belong to families that had men fight for the cause of Bangladesh's liberation but with time the two women led separate camps to contest the general polls.

Begum Khaleda Zia was Bangladesh's First Lady when her husband Ziaur Rahman served as the President.

Born in northwestern Bangladesh in 1945, Khaleda married General Ziaur Rahman, one of the country’s liberation war heroes, in 1960. Her husband became president in 1977, and founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), but was assassinated in an attempted coup in 1981.

Described as a shy housewife, Zia was devoted to raising her two sons and didn't bat an eye before taking over the reins of BNP when she was elected as the chairperson in August 1984, two years after army chief Hossain Mohammad Ershad seized power in 1982.

Zia joined other anti-Ershad groups in a seven-party alliance and was detained several times during his autocratic nine-year rule. In December 1990, Ershad was forced to resign after a popular uprising and Khaleda won the 1991 elections. Zia became country's first female leader, second in Muslim majority nations after Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto.

She was ousted from power by her rival Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party in 1996, only to return to office in 2001. In October 2006 her five-year term ended and she handed over power to a caretaker administration ahead of elections that were subsequently delayed.

The general elections of 2014 were boycotted by the BNP, Sheikh Hasina emerged victorious and assumed office as the Prime Minister.

Zia’s political journey has been marred by controversies and allegations of corruption.

Khaleda suffered a big blow after an army-backed interim government took power in January 2007 amidst political instability and street violence, cancelling a planned election. She struggled to keep the BNP united.

Khaleda’s rival and incumbent Prime Minister Hasina accused Khaleda’s BNP and its Islamic allies of having links to outlawed Islamist groups.

Khaleda and her son Tarique Rahman were accused of orchestrating a grenade attack on Hasina’s political rally in 2004, although Hasina was unharmed in the attack, as many as 24 people were killed with around 500 injured.

Zia’s son Rahman was jailed for life in the 2004 blast case this October. The special court in Dhaka also gave the death penalty to several other members of the BNP, including former junior home minister Lutfuzzaman Babar for the attack on a public rally in 2004, news agency Reuters reported. 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.

In February 2018, Khaleda was jailed for five years on corruption charges that she alleged were part of a plot to hamper her political career. On October 30, her jail term was doubled to 10 years over an appeal by Bangladesh’s Anti Corruption Commission. Last month, Bangladesh’s top law officer said that said that Zia cannot run for office in December’s general polls.

Her ability to contest the polls has been in doubt since her incarceration but colleagues in her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have said they were hoping she would be released ahead of the elections on December 30.

Attorney General Mahbubey Alam said that according to the law, even if Khaleda was released from jail, she would not be allowed to contest the polls, news agency Reuters reported.

Zia challenged the decision as a result of which, the Bangladesh High Court on December 11 delivered a split verdict over Zia’s candidacy in the upcoming general election.

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, news agency PTI reported.

The BNP forged an alliance with three smaller parties last month, seeking to unseat Hasina from her decade-long reign, however, with the absence of two of its top leaders, the party has fallen into a state of disarray.

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 Election Commission as a political party if it boycotted polls for the second consecutive time.

If Khaleda is barred from running, it would be the first time the BNP will go to polls without her at the helm.

Bangladesh's politics has been more of a tussle between two women who have ruled over the country, taking turns, for nearly three decades now. Incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her arch-rival Khaleda Zia belong to families that had men fight for the cause of Bangladesh's liberation but with time the two women led separate camps to contest the general polls.

Bangladesh's politics has been more of a tussle between two women who have ruled over the country, taking turns, for nearly three decades now. Incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her arch-rival Khaleda Zia belong to families that had men fight for the cause of Bangladesh's liberation but with time the two women led separate camps to contest the general polls. Begum Khaleda Zia was Bangladesh's First Lady when her husband Ziaur Rahman served as the President. Born in northwestern Bangladesh in 1945, Khaleda married General Ziaur Rahman, one of the country’s liberation war heroes, in 1960. Her husband became president in 1977, and founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), but was assassinated in an attempted coup in 1981. Described as a shy housewife, Zia was devoted to raising her two sons and didn't bat an eye before taking over the reins of BNP when she was elected as the chairperson in August 1984, two years after army chief Hossain Mohammad Ershad seized power in 1982. Zia joined other anti-Ershad groups in a seven-party alliance and was detained several times during his autocratic nine-year rule. In December 1990, Ershad was forced to resign after a popular uprising and Khaleda won the 1991 elections. Zia became country's first female leader, second in Muslim majority nations after Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto. She was ousted from power by her rival Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party in 1996, only to return to office in 2001. In October 2006 her five-year term ended and she handed over power to a caretaker administration ahead of elections that were subsequently delayed. The general elections of 2014 were boycotted by the BNP, Sheikh Hasina emerged victorious and assumed office as the Prime Minister. Zia’s political journey has been marred by controversies and allegations of corruption. Khaleda suffered a big blow after an army-backed interim government took power in January 2007 amidst political instability and street violence, cancelling a planned election. She struggled to keep the BNP united. Khaleda’s rival and incumbent Prime Minister Hasina accused Khaleda’s BNP and its Islamic allies of having links to outlawed Islamist groups. Khaleda and her son Tarique Rahman were accused of orchestrating a grenade attack on Hasina’s political rally in 2004, although Hasina was unharmed in the attack, as many as 24 people were killed with around 500 injured. Zia’s son Rahman was jailed for life in the 2004 blast case this October. The special court in Dhaka also gave the death penalty to several other members of the BNP, including former junior home minister Lutfuzzaman Babar for the attack on a public rally in 2004, news agency Reuters reported. 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. In February 2018, Khaleda was jailed for five years on corruption charges that she alleged were part of a plot to hamper her political career. On October 30, her jail term was doubled to 10 years over an appeal by Bangladesh’s Anti Corruption Commission. Last month, Bangladesh’s top law officer said that said that Zia cannot run for office in December’s general polls. Her ability to contest the polls has been in doubt since her incarceration but colleagues in her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have said they were hoping she would be released ahead of the elections on December 30. Attorney General Mahbubey Alam said that according to the law, even if Khaleda was released from jail, she would not be allowed to contest the polls, news agency Reuters reported. Zia challenged the decision as a result of which, the Bangladesh High Court on December 11 delivered a split verdict over Zia’s candidacy in the upcoming general election. 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, news agency PTI reported. The BNP forged an alliance with three smaller parties last month, seeking to unseat Hasina from her decade-long reign, however, with the absence of two of its top leaders, the party has fallen into a state of disarray. 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 Election Commission as a political party if it boycotted polls for the second consecutive time. If Khaleda is barred from running, it would be the first time the BNP will go to polls without her at the helm.

Khaleda Zia: Bangladesh's fighter Begum and former premier marred by controversies

He may be Bangladesh's biggest cricket star, but Mashrafe Mortaza insists he is not another Imran Khan, Pakistan's cricketing superhero-turned-prime minister.

Contesting a seat in the national parliament for the ruling Awami League party in the December 30 elections, Mashrafe says he just wants to do more for sports and charity.

"To be honest, the level where Imran Khan has reached, people cannot always reach there even if they want to," Mashrafe told AFP in an interview.

"My desire is to do something for sports... since I am a sportsman, my wish is limited here. I will work for my region to see if I can do something good."

Mashrafe hails from the southwestern district of Narail where his charity Narail Express -- also the fast-bowler's nickname -- has donated ambulances to hospitals and high-yield rice seeds to farmers.&nbsp;

Turning to politics is nothing new for cricketers in South Asia, where the sport is massively popular.&nbsp;

But unusually, Mashrafe is still playing, captains Bangladesh in the one-day format of the game, and intends to lead the team at next year's World Cup.

Mashrafe has already retired from Twenty20 international cricket and has not played a Test match since 2009.

He may also have been upstaged in the hearts of the nation's cricket fans by his teammate Shakib Al Hasan, one of the world's leading all-rounders.

But Mashrafe's die-hard attitude off the pitch -- he has had seven operations on his knee -- and on-field expressions of patriotism could well endear him to voters.

He also won plaudits as captain, guiding the cricket minnows to their first World Cup quarter-final in 2015.

'Gutter-like'

Still, when Mashrafe announced his decision to enter politics, many fans were openly critical.

Most of the comments on his social media fan pages are against him joining Bangladesh's "nasty" and "gutter-like" political arena.&nbsp;

Others criticised him for joining the party of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been accused of jailing opponents and stifling dissent.

But Mashrafe insists that he will not be dragged down.

"All I can say from my position is the people who are in a different party or believe in a different political belief, I don't have any disrespect for them," he said.

"Even though I'm supporting my party wholeheartedly, I have 100 percent respect for them and will continue to have it.

"I'm saying this because every person has the right to support who they want to support. I can only respect the opposition from my heart, which I really do."

He also set the bar high for politicians.

"Politicians should be qualified and good human beings. I'm not saying I'm already one of them though. The young people are closely seeing our social decadence. I think they should also step into politics," he said.

He may be Bangladesh's biggest cricket star, but Mashrafe Mortaza insists he is not another Imran Khan, Pakistan's cricketing superhero-turned-prime minister. Contesting a seat in the national parliament for the ruling Awami League party in the December 30 elections, Mashrafe says he just wants to do more for sports and charity.

He may be Bangladesh's biggest cricket star, but Mashrafe Mortaza insists he is not another Imran Khan, Pakistan's cricketing superhero-turned-prime minister. Contesting a seat in the national parliament for the ruling Awami League party in the December 30 elections, Mashrafe says he just wants to do more for sports and charity. "To be honest, the level where Imran Khan has reached, people cannot always reach there even if they want to," Mashrafe told AFP in an interview. "My desire is to do something for sports... since I am a sportsman, my wish is limited here. I will work for my region to see if I can do something good." Mashrafe hails from the southwestern district of Narail where his charity Narail Express -- also the fast-bowler's nickname -- has donated ambulances to hospitals and high-yield rice seeds to farmers. Turning to politics is nothing new for cricketers in South Asia, where the sport is massively popular. But unusually, Mashrafe is still playing, captains Bangladesh in the one-day format of the game, and intends to lead the team at next year's World Cup. Mashrafe has already retired from Twenty20 international cricket and has not played a Test match since 2009. He may also have been upstaged in the hearts of the nation's cricket fans by his teammate Shakib Al Hasan, one of the world's leading all-rounders. But Mashrafe's die-hard attitude off the pitch -- he has had seven operations on his knee -- and on-field expressions of patriotism could well endear him to voters. He also won plaudits as captain, guiding the cricket minnows to their first World Cup quarter-final in 2015. 'Gutter-like' Still, when Mashrafe announced his decision to enter politics, many fans were openly critical. Most of the comments on his social media fan pages are against him joining Bangladesh's "nasty" and "gutter-like" political arena. Others criticised him for joining the party of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been accused of jailing opponents and stifling dissent. But Mashrafe insists that he will not be dragged down. "All I can say from my position is the people who are in a different party or believe in a different political belief, I don't have any disrespect for them," he said. "Even though I'm supporting my party wholeheartedly, I have 100 percent respect for them and will continue to have it. "I'm saying this because every person has the right to support who they want to support. I can only respect the opposition from my heart, which I really do." He also set the bar high for politicians. "Politicians should be qualified and good human beings. I'm not saying I'm already one of them though. The young people are closely seeing our social decadence. I think they should also step into politics," he said.

Bangladesh's Mashrafe harbours no Imran-like ambitions

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

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

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

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/bangladesh">Bangladesh</a>'s opposition party Sunday said nearly 2,000 of its supporters have been arrested on trumped-up charges in a crackdown aimed at derailing its campaign just weeks from a general election.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-opposition-to-challenge-pm-hasina-in-election-176659">Bangladesh Nationalist Party</a>, which is seeking to unseat Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on December 30, said at least 1,972 party officials and grassroots campaigners had been detained since the election was announced a month ago.

The arrests are yet another blow for a beleaguered opposition whose leader Khaleda Zia has been jailed for corruption and barred from running against arch-rival Hasina, who is seeking a third consecutive term.

The opposition boycotted the 2014 election, saying it was rigged against Zia in favour of Hasina and her ruling Awami League party.

BNP spokesman Rizvi Ahmed told AFP the majority of party cadres rounded up since late November in the police sweep were still behind bars.

"They have filed hundreds of ghost, or fictitious cases, against our party workers and leaders," he said.

Another party official said at least 11 opposition candidates had also been detained before official campaigning begins Monday.

"Six of them are still in the jail," said the official, who declined to be named.

Police have said those arrested had outstanding warrants or were wanted over alleged connections to ongoing cases.

Ahmed denied this, saying the crackdown was a political "blueprint" by the ruling party to intimidate its opponents.

"The government wants to hold a lopsided election. These arrests are just to create fear among the people so that they don't go to vote," he said.

The opposition also accused police officials in Chittagong, a southern city, of campaigning on behalf of the Awami League. Police in the port city denied the allegations.

The arrests further hinder an already battered alliance of opposition parties, led by the BNP, which have seen their core leadership jailed on charges they say are fabricated.

Zia, a two-time former prime minister and friend-turned-foe to Hasina, was last month ordered by a court to stay behind bars for a decade for graft.

Her supporters say the charges are politically motivated to stymie Hasina's chief political threat.

Zia's son, a potential heir to the BNP throne, was sentenced in absentia to life behind bars while hundreds of other loyalists have been arrested or jailed, party officials say.

Just a month from the polls, the BNP has not announced an alternative candidate to run against Hasina, whose rule has been marred by allegations of rights abuses and intolerance for dissent.

Bangladesh has been led by either Zia or Hasina since the 1990s and the two powerful women have turned from close allies to fierce enemies.

Hasina has refused to allow a caretaker government to oversee the country during the campaign period.

Bangladesh's opposition party Sunday said nearly 2,000 of its supporters have been arrested on trumped-up charges in a crackdown aimed at derailing its campaign just weeks from a general election.

Bangladesh's opposition party Sunday said nearly 2,000 of its supporters have been arrested on trumped-up charges in a crackdown aimed at derailing its campaign just weeks from a general election. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which is seeking to unseat Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on December 30, said at least 1,972 party officials and grassroots campaigners had been detained since the election was announced a month ago. The arrests are yet another blow for a beleaguered opposition whose leader Khaleda Zia has been jailed for corruption and barred from running against arch-rival Hasina, who is seeking a third consecutive term. The opposition boycotted the 2014 election, saying it was rigged against Zia in favour of Hasina and her ruling Awami League party. BNP spokesman Rizvi Ahmed told AFP the majority of party cadres rounded up since late November in the police sweep were still behind bars. "They have filed hundreds of ghost, or fictitious cases, against our party workers and leaders," he said. Another party official said at least 11 opposition candidates had also been detained before official campaigning begins Monday. "Six of them are still in the jail," said the official, who declined to be named. Police have said those arrested had outstanding warrants or were wanted over alleged connections to ongoing cases. Ahmed denied this, saying the crackdown was a political "blueprint" by the ruling party to intimidate its opponents. "The government wants to hold a lopsided election. These arrests are just to create fear among the people so that they don't go to vote," he said. The opposition also accused police officials in Chittagong, a southern city, of campaigning on behalf of the Awami League. Police in the port city denied the allegations. The arrests further hinder an already battered alliance of opposition parties, led by the BNP, which have seen their core leadership jailed on charges they say are fabricated. Zia, a two-time former prime minister and friend-turned-foe to Hasina, was last month ordered by a court to stay behind bars for a decade for graft. Her supporters say the charges are politically motivated to stymie Hasina's chief political threat. Zia's son, a potential heir to the BNP throne, was sentenced in absentia to life behind bars while hundreds of other loyalists have been arrested or jailed, party officials say. Just a month from the polls, the BNP has not announced an alternative candidate to run against Hasina, whose rule has been marred by allegations of rights abuses and intolerance for dissent. Bangladesh has been led by either Zia or Hasina since the 1990s and the two powerful women have turned from close allies to fierce enemies. Hasina has refused to allow a caretaker government to oversee the country during the campaign period.

Bangladesh party says hundreds of supporters held before polls

Quashing the political ambitions of jailed ex-Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, the election authority on Sunday rejected her nomination papers from three constituencies, citing her convictions in two corruption cases.&nbsp;

The Election Commission's decision came four days after the Bangladesh High Court ruled that a person jailed for more than two years cannot contest polls.&nbsp;

The 73-year-old ex-premier is currently serving jail terms in two graft cases involving charities named after her slain husband Ziaur Rahman.&nbsp;

Zia had filed nomination papers from three constituencies -- two from northwestern Bogra and one from southeastern Feni -- for the December 30 polls, but the returning officers of the two districts scrapped her nominations as she was convicted by the court, an EC spokesperson said.

Nearly 104.2 million people, including some 51.6 million women, are registered as voters. They will elect 300 representatives to Parliament through the balloting in about 40,199 polling stations.

As per election rules, a candidate declared unfit to contest polls can appeal to an EC tribunal for revised decisions or could challenge the commission decision to the High Court.&nbsp;

Besides Zia, the nomination of 15 high-profile candidates were also disqualified on different grounds, the spokesperson said.

Zia has been in custody since February 8, when the Dhaka Special Court convicted her in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case and sentenced her to five years of imprisonment for embezzling 21 million Bangladeshi Taka (252,504) in foreign donations meant for the Trust. On October 30, the High Court doubled her jail term to 10 years.

On October 29, a trial court convicted her in the Zia Charitable Trust graft case and sentenced her to seven years in prison and imposed a fine of Tk 1 million (12,024).

Zia was made vice-chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the largest political opposition of the country, in March 1983 after the assassination of her husband. She became chairperson of the party on May 10, 1984, a post she is holding till now.

In her 35 years of political career, Zia went to the jail several times.

During the 2007-2008 tenure of the army-backed caretaker government, she was in jail for about a year on charges of corruption.&nbsp;

The BNP continued to remain in a state of political disarray with Zia in prison and her "fugitive" elder son Tarique Rahman, who is the vice chairman of the party, staying in London after a Dhaka court recently sentenced him life imprisonment for masterminding a deadly attack on a political rally in 2004.&nbsp;

The BNP, which boycotted the 2014 elections under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League (AL) government over fears that it would be rigged, has set up an alliance with the newly formed National Unity Front (NUF) led by eminent jurist Kamal Hossain.

Bangladesh politics is deeply divided, with rivals Hasina and Zia, popularly referred to as "Battling Begums", ruling the country alternately since 1991, when democracy was restored in the Islamic nation.

Both the women emerged from political dynasties. While Zia is the widow of Ziaur Rahman, a general-turned-president who was assassinated in 1981, Hasina is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's first president who was assassinated in 1975.&nbsp;

Quashing the political ambitions of jailed ex-Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, the election authority on Sunday rejected her nomination papers from three constituencies, citing her convictions in two corruption cases.

Quashing the political ambitions of jailed ex-Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, the election authority on Sunday rejected her nomination papers from three constituencies, citing her convictions in two corruption cases. The Election Commission's decision came four days after the Bangladesh High Court ruled that a person jailed for more than two years cannot contest polls. The 73-year-old ex-premier is currently serving jail terms in two graft cases involving charities named after her slain husband Ziaur Rahman. Zia had filed nomination papers from three constituencies -- two from northwestern Bogra and one from southeastern Feni -- for the December 30 polls, but the returning officers of the two districts scrapped her nominations as she was convicted by the court, an EC spokesperson said. Nearly 104.2 million people, including some 51.6 million women, are registered as voters. They will elect 300 representatives to Parliament through the balloting in about 40,199 polling stations. As per election rules, a candidate declared unfit to contest polls can appeal to an EC tribunal for revised decisions or could challenge the commission decision to the High Court. Besides Zia, the nomination of 15 high-profile candidates were also disqualified on different grounds, the spokesperson said. Zia has been in custody since February 8, when the Dhaka Special Court convicted her in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case and sentenced her to five years of imprisonment for embezzling 21 million Bangladeshi Taka (252,504) in foreign donations meant for the Trust. On October 30, the High Court doubled her jail term to 10 years. On October 29, a trial court convicted her in the Zia Charitable Trust graft case and sentenced her to seven years in prison and imposed a fine of Tk 1 million (12,024). Zia was made vice-chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the largest political opposition of the country, in March 1983 after the assassination of her husband. She became chairperson of the party on May 10, 1984, a post she is holding till now. In her 35 years of political career, Zia went to the jail several times. During the 2007-2008 tenure of the army-backed caretaker government, she was in jail for about a year on charges of corruption. The BNP continued to remain in a state of political disarray with Zia in prison and her "fugitive" elder son Tarique Rahman, who is the vice chairman of the party, staying in London after a Dhaka court recently sentenced him life imprisonment for masterminding a deadly attack on a political rally in 2004. The BNP, which boycotted the 2014 elections under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League (AL) government over fears that it would be rigged, has set up an alliance with the newly formed National Unity Front (NUF) led by eminent jurist Kamal Hossain. Bangladesh politics is deeply divided, with rivals Hasina and Zia, popularly referred to as "Battling Begums", ruling the country alternately since 1991, when democracy was restored in the Islamic nation. Both the women emerged from political dynasties. While Zia is the widow of Ziaur Rahman, a general-turned-president who was assassinated in 1981, Hasina is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's first president who was assassinated in 1975.

Bangladesh polls: EC rejects nomination of jailed ex-premier Zia

The United States will send 12 teams of observers and fund thousands of domestic observers to monitor an election in Bangladesh it hopes will be free and fair, a senior official at the US embassy in Dhaka said.

Amid opposition concerns about rigging in the December 30 general election, there has been speculation about US plans for it, especially after the European Union this week said it would not send observers, nor comment on the vote or result.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is seeking a third straight term.

Her old rival, Khaleda Zia, who leads the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, is in jail after being convicted on charges she says were politically motivated. Scores of BNP workers have also been detained.

The BNP boycotted the last election, in 2014, as unfair, but has said it will take part this time, though it is seeking international monitors of polls it says it believes will be flawed.

The United States is sending a dozen teams, each of about two observers, who will fan out to most parts of the country, William Moeller, political officer at the US embassy in Dhaka, told Reuters.&nbsp;

"The Bangladesh government has emphasized that it plans to hold a free and fair election," Moeller said this week.

"We welcome that and are providing funding for election observers who hope to see such an outcome."

Moeller referred to reports of harassment and intimidation before recent city corporation elections, which he said may have suppressed voter turnout.

“We raised these concerns at the time, so we are hoping we won’t see the same issues in the national elections.”

The US National Democratic Institute said after an assessment in October the polls would be held "amid a high degree of political polarization, heightened tensions and shrinking political space”.

The Bangkok-based Asian Network for Free Elections will send a team of about 30 short- and long-term observers, Moeller said.&nbsp;

About 15,000 Bangladeshi observers will be funded jointly by the US Agency for International Development, Britain`s Department for International Development and the Swiss government, he said.

The domestic observers would spread out but might not be able to reach every polling station, he said.

PLAYING DOWN WORRIES

Hasina and Khaleda have alternated in power over the last 28 years. Elections in Bangladesh are often violent and marred by ballot-stuffing and voter intimidation.

Hasina`s Awami League has held power since 2009 and dispensed from 2014 with a practice of letting a neutral caretaker government oversee elections, to the anger of the BNP.

The government has brushed off opposition fears of rigging.

"I don’t see any possibility this time, because all the parties are participating, and all of them will have their election agents,” said HT Imam, a political adviser to Hasina.

Bangladesh has seen steady economic growth under Hasina and the development of a vibrant garment sector under-pinning export growth, and accounting for 80 per cent of the economy.&nbsp;

But rights groups have criticized increasing curbs on freedom of speech and the media.

Hope to capitalise on dissatisfaction, the BNP has formed an alliance with smaller parties called the National Unity Front and Hasina said this week she expected competitive polls.

The EU delegation in Dhaka said it was not sending observers because of growing demand for them amid tight resources.

India had no plan to send observers unless Bangladesh asked, an official at the Indian High Commission said.&nbsp;

The United States will send 12 teams of observers and fund thousands of domestic observers to monitor an election in Bangladesh it hopes will be free and fair, a senior official at the US embassy in Dhaka said.

The United States will send 12 teams of observers and fund thousands of domestic observers to monitor an election in Bangladesh it hopes will be free and fair, a senior official at the US embassy in Dhaka said. Amid opposition concerns about rigging in the December 30 general election, there has been speculation about US plans for it, especially after the European Union this week said it would not send observers, nor comment on the vote or result. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is seeking a third straight term. Her old rival, Khaleda Zia, who leads the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, is in jail after being convicted on charges she says were politically motivated. Scores of BNP workers have also been detained. The BNP boycotted the last election, in 2014, as unfair, but has said it will take part this time, though it is seeking international monitors of polls it says it believes will be flawed. The United States is sending a dozen teams, each of about two observers, who will fan out to most parts of the country, William Moeller, political officer at the US embassy in Dhaka, told Reuters. "The Bangladesh government has emphasized that it plans to hold a free and fair election," Moeller said this week. "We welcome that and are providing funding for election observers who hope to see such an outcome." Moeller referred to reports of harassment and intimidation before recent city corporation elections, which he said may have suppressed voter turnout. “We raised these concerns at the time, so we are hoping we won’t see the same issues in the national elections.” The US National Democratic Institute said after an assessment in October the polls would be held "amid a high degree of political polarization, heightened tensions and shrinking political space”. The Bangkok-based Asian Network for Free Elections will send a team of about 30 short- and long-term observers, Moeller said. About 15,000 Bangladeshi observers will be funded jointly by the US Agency for International Development, Britain`s Department for International Development and the Swiss government, he said. The domestic observers would spread out but might not be able to reach every polling station, he said. PLAYING DOWN WORRIES Hasina and Khaleda have alternated in power over the last 28 years. Elections in Bangladesh are often violent and marred by ballot-stuffing and voter intimidation. Hasina`s Awami League has held power since 2009 and dispensed from 2014 with a practice of letting a neutral caretaker government oversee elections, to the anger of the BNP. The government has brushed off opposition fears of rigging. "I don’t see any possibility this time, because all the parties are participating, and all of them will have their election agents,” said HT Imam, a political adviser to Hasina. Bangladesh has seen steady economic growth under Hasina and the development of a vibrant garment sector under-pinning export growth, and accounting for 80 per cent of the economy. But rights groups have criticized increasing curbs on freedom of speech and the media. Hope to capitalise on dissatisfaction, the BNP has formed an alliance with smaller parties called the National Unity Front and Hasina said this week she expected competitive polls. The EU delegation in Dhaka said it was not sending observers because of growing demand for them amid tight resources. India had no plan to send observers unless Bangladesh asked, an official at the Indian High Commission said.

US to send observers to Bangladesh election amid opposition concerns

Bangladesh cricket superstar Mashrafe Mortaza has defended his decision to enter politics as the "need of the hour" after angering some fans by contesting upcoming elections.

Mashrafe, who enjoys rockstar status in cricket-mad Bangladesh, divided opinion when he announced he would run in the December 30 polls on an Awami League ticket.

A photograph of the 35-year-old alongside party leader and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina dominated headlines for days.

But it split fans in the South Asian nation of 165 million, which this year witnessed major rallies against the Awami League, which has jailed opponents and stifled dissent.

"I believe that every conscious, worthy and honest Bangladeshi should enter politics," Mashrafe said late Sunday in his first public remarks since announcing his candidacy.

"Maybe many can't find the courage for different reasons and mental limitations. I thought that it was important to break this mental barrier. So, I myself took the initiative to fulfil my desire," he said in a Facebook post.

Earlier, the Awami League confirmed the one-day international captain would contest a parliamentary seat from his home town Narail in southwest Bangladesh.

A cricketer moving into politics is nothing new in South Asia, where star players command god-like devotion from millions of fans.

It is however rare for a current player to make the change.

Mashrafe is expected to skipper Bangladesh in a three-match ODI series against the West Indies on home soil starting December 9.

The fast bowler said his political ambitions called at a time when he is contemplating his future, with speculation he could retire from international cricket after next year's World Cup.

"I don’t know what is waiting for me in the next four and half years after the World Cup. So I made an assessment of the time. I listened to the need of the hour. Because I believe, work should be done in due time," he said.

Mashrafe, who has undergone more than half a dozen knee surgeries, has already retired from Twenty20 international cricket and has not played a Test match since 2009. 
&nbsp;

Bangladesh cricket superstar Mashrafe Mortaza has defended his decision to enter politics as the "need of the hour" after angering some fans by contesting upcoming elections.

Bangladesh cricket superstar Mashrafe Mortaza has defended his decision to enter politics as the "need of the hour" after angering some fans by contesting upcoming elections. Mashrafe, who enjoys rockstar status in cricket-mad Bangladesh, divided opinion when he announced he would run in the December 30 polls on an Awami League ticket. A photograph of the 35-year-old alongside party leader and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina dominated headlines for days. But it split fans in the South Asian nation of 165 million, which this year witnessed major rallies against the Awami League, which has jailed opponents and stifled dissent. "I believe that every conscious, worthy and honest Bangladeshi should enter politics," Mashrafe said late Sunday in his first public remarks since announcing his candidacy. "Maybe many can't find the courage for different reasons and mental limitations. I thought that it was important to break this mental barrier. So, I myself took the initiative to fulfil my desire," he said in a Facebook post. Earlier, the Awami League confirmed the one-day international captain would contest a parliamentary seat from his home town Narail in southwest Bangladesh. A cricketer moving into politics is nothing new in South Asia, where star players command god-like devotion from millions of fans. It is however rare for a current player to make the change. Mashrafe is expected to skipper Bangladesh in a three-match ODI series against the West Indies on home soil starting December 9. The fast bowler said his political ambitions called at a time when he is contemplating his future, with speculation he could retire from international cricket after next year's World Cup. "I don’t know what is waiting for me in the next four and half years after the World Cup. So I made an assessment of the time. I listened to the need of the hour. Because I believe, work should be done in due time," he said. Mashrafe, who has undergone more than half a dozen knee surgeries, has already retired from Twenty20 international cricket and has not played a Test match since 2009.

'Need of the hour,' says Bangladesh ODI captain on decision to contest upcoming elections

The European Union (EU) has expressed confidence that the upcoming general elections in Bangladesh will be "genuine, credible and transparent.

"Rensje Teerink, the EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, recently commented: "I have always been told that when Bangladesh gears up for elections, there will be political turmoil and mass demonstrations on the streets. But so far, I must say, it has been quite calm."

In an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), the ambassador said: "We are confident and hopeful that it will be a genuine, credible, transparent and inclusive election."

General elections are scheduled to be held in Bangladesh on December 30 to elect members of the Jatiya Sangsad, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League hoping to remain in power for a third consecutive term.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Hasina's arch-rival Khaleda Zia, who has been in jail since February over a graft case, boycotted the 2014 elections.

The party has been demanding polls under a non-party government. The EU is, however, optimist that the country of 170 million is strong enough to hold the Parliamentary elections democratically.

"Bangladesh has good local observers, who probably are going to do an excellent job monitoring the elections," Teerink told DW.

She added that the South Asian country has performed "exceedingly well when it comes to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Its economic expansion over the past decade has been impressive." "We would like to see the country develop into a stable and prosperous place for all Bangladeshis," added the EU envoy.&nbsp;

The European Union (EU) has expressed confidence that the upcoming general elections in Bangladesh will be "genuine, credible and transparent. "Rensje Teerink, the EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, recently commented: "I have always been told that when Bangladesh gears up for elections, there will be political turmoil and mass demonstrations on the streets.

The European Union (EU) has expressed confidence that the upcoming general elections in Bangladesh will be "genuine, credible and transparent. "Rensje Teerink, the EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, recently commented: "I have always been told that when Bangladesh gears up for elections, there will be political turmoil and mass demonstrations on the streets. But so far, I must say, it has been quite calm." In an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), the ambassador said: "We are confident and hopeful that it will be a genuine, credible, transparent and inclusive election." General elections are scheduled to be held in Bangladesh on December 30 to elect members of the Jatiya Sangsad, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League hoping to remain in power for a third consecutive term. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Hasina's arch-rival Khaleda Zia, who has been in jail since February over a graft case, boycotted the 2014 elections. The party has been demanding polls under a non-party government. The EU is, however, optimist that the country of 170 million is strong enough to hold the Parliamentary elections democratically. "Bangladesh has good local observers, who probably are going to do an excellent job monitoring the elections," Teerink told DW. She added that the South Asian country has performed "exceedingly well when it comes to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Its economic expansion over the past decade has been impressive." "We would like to see the country develop into a stable and prosperous place for all Bangladeshis," added the EU envoy.