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

Bangladesh's election campaign turned violent Tuesday with scores injured at political rallies across the country, as police fired pellet guns into crowds and stick-wielding mobs attacked rival candidates.

Police told AFP clashes broke out in at least seven major towns on just the second day of campaigning, injuring nearly 100 people who turned out to cheer the two major parties contesting the December 30 poll.

The unrest follows a crackdown on the Bangladesh Nationalist Party in recent weeks, with hundreds of supporters from the main opposition movement thrown behind bars before campaigning had even begun.

In Thakurgaon, a northern district, a motorcade for the BNP's secretary general Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was set upon by a huge crowd swinging batons.

Local police chief Mohammad Moniruzzaman said the windows of several cars were smashed, but Alamgir escaped unscathed. There were reports of several injuries.

The opposition blamed thugs aligned to the ruling Awami League, the party chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is running for a record fourth term in office.

In Kabirhat, a southern town, at least 22 people were hurt as rivals from the Awami League and BNP clashed with sticks and hurled rocks during a campaign stop, police said.

In the central town of Faridganj, police said they fired rubber bullets at an opposition parade after rocks were hurled at them. 
"We were compelled to retaliate in self defence," said local police chief Harunur Rashid. At least 26 civilians and four policemen were injured, he added.

At least 25 others were injured in separate clashes elsewhere in the country.

There was also infighting, with rival Awami League factions firing pellet guns at each other in southern Fatikchhari town, injuring seven, local police chief Babul Akhter told AFP.

BNP spokesman Rizvi Ahmed said more than 200 of its supporters were injured in what it called "administration-backed" attacks.

"They are creating the ground for an uneven poll through this violence," he told AFP.

Hasina walked her third term as prime minister in 2014 after the BNP and its allies boycotted what it called a rigged poll. That election was condemned by international observers.

Around 100 million voters have registered for this year's ballot, even though the opposition is yet to name a candidate to run against Hasina.

Veteran opposition leader and two-time prime minister Khaleda Zia has been barred from contesting the election against her long-time rival Hasina.

She is behind bars, serving a ten-year jail sentence on graft charges her supporters say are unfounded.&nbsp;

Bangladesh's election campaign turned violent Tuesday with scores injured at political rallies across the country, as police fired pellet guns into crowds and stick-wielding mobs attacked rival candidates.

Bangladesh's election campaign turned violent Tuesday with scores injured at political rallies across the country, as police fired pellet guns into crowds and stick-wielding mobs attacked rival candidates. Police told AFP clashes broke out in at least seven major towns on just the second day of campaigning, injuring nearly 100 people who turned out to cheer the two major parties contesting the December 30 poll. The unrest follows a crackdown on the Bangladesh Nationalist Party in recent weeks, with hundreds of supporters from the main opposition movement thrown behind bars before campaigning had even begun. In Thakurgaon, a northern district, a motorcade for the BNP's secretary general Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was set upon by a huge crowd swinging batons. Local police chief Mohammad Moniruzzaman said the windows of several cars were smashed, but Alamgir escaped unscathed. There were reports of several injuries. The opposition blamed thugs aligned to the ruling Awami League, the party chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is running for a record fourth term in office. In Kabirhat, a southern town, at least 22 people were hurt as rivals from the Awami League and BNP clashed with sticks and hurled rocks during a campaign stop, police said. In the central town of Faridganj, police said they fired rubber bullets at an opposition parade after rocks were hurled at them. "We were compelled to retaliate in self defence," said local police chief Harunur Rashid. At least 26 civilians and four policemen were injured, he added. At least 25 others were injured in separate clashes elsewhere in the country. There was also infighting, with rival Awami League factions firing pellet guns at each other in southern Fatikchhari town, injuring seven, local police chief Babul Akhter told AFP. BNP spokesman Rizvi Ahmed said more than 200 of its supporters were injured in what it called "administration-backed" attacks. "They are creating the ground for an uneven poll through this violence," he told AFP. Hasina walked her third term as prime minister in 2014 after the BNP and its allies boycotted what it called a rigged poll. That election was condemned by international observers. Around 100 million voters have registered for this year's ballot, even though the opposition is yet to name a candidate to run against Hasina. Veteran opposition leader and two-time prime minister Khaleda Zia has been barred from contesting the election against her long-time rival Hasina. She is behind bars, serving a ten-year jail sentence on graft charges her supporters say are unfounded.

Nearly 100 injured in Bangladesh poll campaign violence

Ex-Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia barred from polls

Bangladesh authorities on Monday announced they were delaying next month's general election by a week following an appeal from the country's opposition alliance, an official said.

"The vote will now be held on December 30," Election Commission spokesman S.M Asaduzzaman told AFP.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had protested the December 23 election date announced last week, saying more time was needed to prepare for the poll.

The BNP -- whose leader Khaleda Zia is behind bars -- had asked for an extra month to campaign against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The prime minister, who is running for a third consecutive term in office, has been accused of cracking down on her opponents ahead of the poll, with thousands of BNP activists detained in recent months.

A party spokesman warned the opposition could reconsider its decision to contest the election if an even playing field were not assured.

"Our activists are still being arrested," BNP spokesman Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said in Dhaka.

"We have said we would definitely rethink our decision if this doesn't stop and an environment is not created for a vote."

The BNP boycotted the 2014 election over fears it would be rigged, allowing Hasina to walk into a second term unchallenged.

Veteran opposition leader Khaleda Zia remains behind bars serving a decade-long jail term for corruption charges her supporters say were politically motivated.

Zia, 73, has virtually no time to appeal her sentence and will almost certainly be banned from contesting the election against her arch-rival Hasina.

The opposition also says some 5,000 of its activists have been detained in a recent crackdown, depriving it of a grassroots presence vital to fight any polls.

The arrest of activists and prominent dissidents including student leaders and a top photographer have also cast a shadow over the buildup to the vote.

The opposition has said the charges against Zia, a two-time former prime minister, and other party activists was deliberately planned by the ruling party.

Early this month Hasina rejected a request from the BNP and its allies to dissolve parliament and let a neutral caretaker government organise the election.&nbsp;

It had also asked for Zia to be released so she could run.

Bangladesh authorities on Monday announced they were delaying next month's general election by a week following an appeal from the country's opposition alliance, an official said.

Bangladesh authorities on Monday announced they were delaying next month's general election by a week following an appeal from the country's opposition alliance, an official said. "The vote will now be held on December 30," Election Commission spokesman S.M Asaduzzaman told AFP. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had protested the December 23 election date announced last week, saying more time was needed to prepare for the poll. The BNP -- whose leader Khaleda Zia is behind bars -- had asked for an extra month to campaign against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The prime minister, who is running for a third consecutive term in office, has been accused of cracking down on her opponents ahead of the poll, with thousands of BNP activists detained in recent months. A party spokesman warned the opposition could reconsider its decision to contest the election if an even playing field were not assured. "Our activists are still being arrested," BNP spokesman Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said in Dhaka. "We have said we would definitely rethink our decision if this doesn't stop and an environment is not created for a vote." The BNP boycotted the 2014 election over fears it would be rigged, allowing Hasina to walk into a second term unchallenged. Veteran opposition leader Khaleda Zia remains behind bars serving a decade-long jail term for corruption charges her supporters say were politically motivated. Zia, 73, has virtually no time to appeal her sentence and will almost certainly be banned from contesting the election against her arch-rival Hasina. The opposition also says some 5,000 of its activists have been detained in a recent crackdown, depriving it of a grassroots presence vital to fight any polls. The arrest of activists and prominent dissidents including student leaders and a top photographer have also cast a shadow over the buildup to the vote. The opposition has said the charges against Zia, a two-time former prime minister, and other party activists was deliberately planned by the ruling party. Early this month Hasina rejected a request from the BNP and its allies to dissolve parliament and let a neutral caretaker government organise the election. It had also asked for Zia to be released so she could run.

Bangladesh delay general election by a week after opposition plea

A group of opposition parties in Bangladesh, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), said on Sunday it plans to contest the December 23 general election, despite the ruling party last week rejecting a series of its demands.

The Jatiya Oikyafront, a 20-party alliance led by 81-year-old Dr Kamal Hossain, had, in particular, wanted a caretaker government to take over in the weeks heading into the polls. The BNP says a caretaker government is essential for free and fair elections, but the ruling Awami League says the demand is unconstitutional.

The BNP, which is in disarray following the jailing of its chief, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, on corruption charges, had also pressed for a caretaker government at the 2014 election and boycotted it after the demand was not met. The last election was marred by deadly violence and shunned by international observers as flawed.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government is seeking to be reelected for a third successive term.

“With the aim of rescuing democracy and a continuation of the movement to sustain a democratic process, Jatiya Oikyafront decided to participate in the election," said Hossain in a statement, following days of deliberations with alliance members.

Hasina’s government has won widespread global plaudits for letting in hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar, but its critics have decried Hasina’s increasingly authoritarian rule. In particular, they have attacked her for the government’s heavy-handed handling of student protests this year and its crackdown on free speech.

While announcing the election date on Thursday, KM Nurul Huda, the head of Bangladesh’s Election Commission, urged all parties to participate in the election "to make it meaningful”.

Hasina and Khaleda, who between them have ruled Bangladesh for decades, are bitter rivals and the BNP says its leader has been jailed on trumped-up charges to keep her out of politics.

A group of opposition parties in Bangladesh, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), said on Sunday it plans to contest the December 23 general election, despite the ruling party last week rejecting a series of its demands.

A group of opposition parties in Bangladesh, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), said on Sunday it plans to contest the December 23 general election, despite the ruling party last week rejecting a series of its demands. The Jatiya Oikyafront, a 20-party alliance led by 81-year-old Dr Kamal Hossain, had, in particular, wanted a caretaker government to take over in the weeks heading into the polls. The BNP says a caretaker government is essential for free and fair elections, but the ruling Awami League says the demand is unconstitutional. The BNP, which is in disarray following the jailing of its chief, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, on corruption charges, had also pressed for a caretaker government at the 2014 election and boycotted it after the demand was not met. The last election was marred by deadly violence and shunned by international observers as flawed. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government is seeking to be reelected for a third successive term. “With the aim of rescuing democracy and a continuation of the movement to sustain a democratic process, Jatiya Oikyafront decided to participate in the election," said Hossain in a statement, following days of deliberations with alliance members. Hasina’s government has won widespread global plaudits for letting in hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar, but its critics have decried Hasina’s increasingly authoritarian rule. In particular, they have attacked her for the government’s heavy-handed handling of student protests this year and its crackdown on free speech. While announcing the election date on Thursday, KM Nurul Huda, the head of Bangladesh’s Election Commission, urged all parties to participate in the election "to make it meaningful”. Hasina and Khaleda, who between them have ruled Bangladesh for decades, are bitter rivals and the BNP says its leader has been jailed on trumped-up charges to keep her out of politics.

Bangladesh opposition alliance to contest polls 'to rescue democracy'