At least 12 people were <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-polls-ten-killed-in-election-day-clashes-following-violent-campaign-187334">killed in election-day clashes in Bangladesh</a> Sunday, after a bloody campaign overshadowed by a crackdown on the opposition by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is expected to win a historic but controversial fourth term.

Three men were shot by police while eight others died in clashes between activists from the ruling Awami League Party and opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), police said.

An auxiliary police member was killed after being attacked by opposition activists armed with guns and sticks, according to officials.

Voting, which ended at 4:00pm (1000 GMT), was held under tight security. Polls have predicted that Hasina will clinch a third-consecutive term and record fourth overall.

Bangladesh's leader has been lauded for boosting economic growth in the poor South Asian nation during an unbroken decade in power and for welcoming Rohingya refugees fleeing a military crackdown in neighbouring Myanmar.

But critics accuse her of authoritarianism and crippling the opposition -- including arch-rival Khaleda Zia who is serving 17 years in prison on graft charges -- to cling on to power.

The election campaign was marred by violence between supporters of Hasina's Awami League and Zia's BNP.

Some <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-deploys-600000-security-forces-ahead-of-elections-187152">600,000 security personnel were deployed </a>across the South Asian country, including at 40,000 polling stations.

Authorities ordered mobile operators to shut down 3G and 4G services until midnight on Sunday "to prevent the spread of rumours" that could trigger unrest.

The election-day deaths brought to 16 the official police toll for election violence since the ballot was announced on November 8.

Police said they acted "in self-defence" in the southern town of Bashkhali, when they opened fire on opposition supporters who attempted to storm a polling booth, killing one.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-tv-station-taken-off-air-for-election-day-187312">Bangladesh TV station taken off air for election day</a>

In a separate incident another man was shot by police after he tried to steal a ballot box.

Free and fair?

Opinion polls show Hasina, who has presided over six per cent GDP expansion every year since she won a landslide in 2008, heading for a comfortable victory that would extend her reign as the country's longest-serving leader.

She needs 151 seats in the first-past-the-post system to control the 300-seat parliament but experts say a victory would be sullied by accusations that she hamstrung her opponents' campaign and scared people into voting for her.

The opposition says more than 15,000 of its activists have been detained during the weeks-long campaign, crushing its ability to mobilise grassroots support.

"We are getting disturbing reports outside Dhaka that overnight votes have been cast illegally," said Kamal Hossain, the 82-year-old architect of Bangladesh's constitution who is helming the opposition coalition.&nbsp;

Presiding officers at polling stations across Dhaka reported a low turnout.

Human Rights Watch and other international groups have decried the crackdown, saying it has created a climate of fear which could prevent opposition supporters from casting ballots.

The United States has raised concerns about the credibility of the Muslim-majority country's election while the United Nations called for greater efforts to make the vote fair.

Seventeen opposition candidates have been arrested over what they claim are trumped-up charges while another 17 were disqualified from running by courts, which Hasina's opponents say are government controlled.

"This is not (a) free and fair election. It is more a controlled selection," said a Western diplomat who asked not to be named.

Student protests

The Bangladeshi leadership has alternated between Hasina and Zia, allies-turned-foes, over the last three decades.

Hasina rejects accusations of creeping authoritarianism but analysts say she mounted the clampdown over fears that young voters were set to hand a victory to the BNP.

Her government was criticised this year for its heavy handling of weeks of massive student protests over the abolition of job quotas and poor safety standards on Bangladesh's dangerous roads.&nbsp;

Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh's first president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was gifted victory in the 2014 election when the BNP boycotted the vote claiming it wasn't free or fair.

Since then, rights groups have accused her administration of stifling freedom of speech through the toughening of a draconian anti-press law and the enforced disappearance of government dissenters.

At least 12 people were killed in election-day clashes in Bangladesh Sunday, after a bloody campaign overshadowed by a crackdown on the opposition by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is expected to win a historic but controversial fourth term.

At least 12 people were killed in election-day clashes in Bangladesh Sunday, after a bloody campaign overshadowed by a crackdown on the opposition by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is expected to win a historic but controversial fourth term. Three men were shot by police while eight others died in clashes between activists from the ruling Awami League Party and opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), police said. An auxiliary police member was killed after being attacked by opposition activists armed with guns and sticks, according to officials. Voting, which ended at 4:00pm (1000 GMT), was held under tight security. Polls have predicted that Hasina will clinch a third-consecutive term and record fourth overall. Bangladesh's leader has been lauded for boosting economic growth in the poor South Asian nation during an unbroken decade in power and for welcoming Rohingya refugees fleeing a military crackdown in neighbouring Myanmar. But critics accuse her of authoritarianism and crippling the opposition -- including arch-rival Khaleda Zia who is serving 17 years in prison on graft charges -- to cling on to power. The election campaign was marred by violence between supporters of Hasina's Awami League and Zia's BNP. Some 600,000 security personnel were deployed across the South Asian country, including at 40,000 polling stations. Authorities ordered mobile operators to shut down 3G and 4G services until midnight on Sunday "to prevent the spread of rumours" that could trigger unrest. The election-day deaths brought to 16 the official police toll for election violence since the ballot was announced on November 8. Police said they acted "in self-defence" in the southern town of Bashkhali, when they opened fire on opposition supporters who attempted to storm a polling booth, killing one. Also read: Bangladesh TV station taken off air for election day In a separate incident another man was shot by police after he tried to steal a ballot box. Free and fair? Opinion polls show Hasina, who has presided over six per cent GDP expansion every year since she won a landslide in 2008, heading for a comfortable victory that would extend her reign as the country's longest-serving leader. She needs 151 seats in the first-past-the-post system to control the 300-seat parliament but experts say a victory would be sullied by accusations that she hamstrung her opponents' campaign and scared people into voting for her. The opposition says more than 15,000 of its activists have been detained during the weeks-long campaign, crushing its ability to mobilise grassroots support. "We are getting disturbing reports outside Dhaka that overnight votes have been cast illegally," said Kamal Hossain, the 82-year-old architect of Bangladesh's constitution who is helming the opposition coalition. Presiding officers at polling stations across Dhaka reported a low turnout. Human Rights Watch and other international groups have decried the crackdown, saying it has created a climate of fear which could prevent opposition supporters from casting ballots. The United States has raised concerns about the credibility of the Muslim-majority country's election while the United Nations called for greater efforts to make the vote fair. Seventeen opposition candidates have been arrested over what they claim are trumped-up charges while another 17 were disqualified from running by courts, which Hasina's opponents say are government controlled. "This is not (a) free and fair election. It is more a controlled selection," said a Western diplomat who asked not to be named. Student protests The Bangladeshi leadership has alternated between Hasina and Zia, allies-turned-foes, over the last three decades. Hasina rejects accusations of creeping authoritarianism but analysts say she mounted the clampdown over fears that young voters were set to hand a victory to the BNP. Her government was criticised this year for its heavy handling of weeks of massive student protests over the abolition of job quotas and poor safety standards on Bangladesh's dangerous roads. Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh's first president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was gifted victory in the 2014 election when the BNP boycotted the vote claiming it wasn't free or fair. Since then, rights groups have accused her administration of stifling freedom of speech through the toughening of a draconian anti-press law and the enforced disappearance of government dissenters.

Bangladesh elections: Voting ends, 12 killed in poll-related violence

Sajeeb Wazed: We will come back to power in Bangladesh

A leading Bangladeshi news channel has been taken off the air, officials said Sunday as the country votes for a new government amid allegations of a media crackdown.&nbsp;

The private Jamuna TV said the action was taken late Saturday.&nbsp;

"Cable operators took Jamuna TV off air without giving us any explanation," Fahim Ahmed, the station's chief news editor, told AFP.

"We are still transmitting. But no one in Bangladesh can see our channel due to the blackout," he said. The channel's output can still be seen online.

The broadcaster, which is owned by Jamuna Group -- one of Bangladesh's biggest conglomerates, which also runs a newspaper -- is known for its independent coverage.

Salma Islam, a member of the family that owns the group, stood in Sunday's election as an independent candidate against an influential ruling party businessman.

A top cable operator in Dhaka said Jamuna broadcasts stopped for technical rather than political reasons.&nbsp;

"We are not getting their signal," said S.M Ali Chanchal, owner of cable operator UCS. Jamuna rejected the explanation and insisted their signals were being broadcast as normal.

Authorities have also ordered the country's mobile operators to shut down 3G and 4G services until midnight on Sunday "to prevent the spread of rumours" that could trigger unrest.

There have been mounting accusations that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government has been stifling dissent and curbing freedom of the press ahead of Sunday's election.

Internationally renowned photographer Shahidul Alam was detained for nearly four months after he was accused of making false and provocative statements against Hasina on Facebook.

Two pro-opposition editors have been detained for months over what they say are trumped-up charges while the editors of two influential dailies were accused of sedition and scores of other defamation cases.

In recent months Hasina's government has also strengthened a digital security law, which rights groups and journalists have said makes investigative journalism almost impossible. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

A leading Bangladeshi news channel has been taken off the air, officials said Sunday as the country votes for a new government amid allegations of a media crackdown.

A leading Bangladeshi news channel has been taken off the air, officials said Sunday as the country votes for a new government amid allegations of a media crackdown. The private Jamuna TV said the action was taken late Saturday. "Cable operators took Jamuna TV off air without giving us any explanation," Fahim Ahmed, the station's chief news editor, told AFP. "We are still transmitting. But no one in Bangladesh can see our channel due to the blackout," he said. The channel's output can still be seen online. The broadcaster, which is owned by Jamuna Group -- one of Bangladesh's biggest conglomerates, which also runs a newspaper -- is known for its independent coverage. Salma Islam, a member of the family that owns the group, stood in Sunday's election as an independent candidate against an influential ruling party businessman. A top cable operator in Dhaka said Jamuna broadcasts stopped for technical rather than political reasons. "We are not getting their signal," said S.M Ali Chanchal, owner of cable operator UCS. Jamuna rejected the explanation and insisted their signals were being broadcast as normal. Authorities have also ordered the country's mobile operators to shut down 3G and 4G services until midnight on Sunday "to prevent the spread of rumours" that could trigger unrest. There have been mounting accusations that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government has been stifling dissent and curbing freedom of the press ahead of Sunday's election. Internationally renowned photographer Shahidul Alam was detained for nearly four months after he was accused of making false and provocative statements against Hasina on Facebook. Two pro-opposition editors have been detained for months over what they say are trumped-up charges while the editors of two influential dailies were accused of sedition and scores of other defamation cases. In recent months Hasina's government has also strengthened a digital security law, which rights groups and journalists have said makes investigative journalism almost impossible.

Bangladesh TV station taken off air for election day

Eight people were killed in clashes on election day in Bangladesh on Sunday, police said.

While three people were killed in skirmishes between activists of the ruling Awami League party and supporters of the main Bangladesh Nationalist Party opposition in separate incidents.

Two others were shot dead by police, one after he tried to steal a ballot box and the other when opposition activists attempted to storm a polling station, according to officers.&nbsp;

Voting for the general elections in Bangladesh, to elect the country's next prime minister, began&nbsp;at 8:00 am on Sunday.

Over 10 crore Bangladeshis are expected to&nbsp;vote in the single-phase general election in the country's 11th national parliamentary election.&nbsp;

Polls opened at 08:00 am (0200 GMT) amid tight security following a campaign that was marred by violence and allegations of a government crackdown on opposition activists.

Around&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-deploys-600000-security-forces-ahead-of-elections-187152">600,000 security personnel&nbsp;were deployed</a>&nbsp;in the country ahead of the polls.

Clashes have gripped the Muslim majority country of 165 million in the run-up to the polls.

Thirteen people were earlier killed and thousands injured in skirmishes between supporters of Hasina's ruling Awami League and activists of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

(With inputs from agencies)

Eight people were killed in clashes on election day in Bangladesh on Sunday, police said. While three people were killed in skirmishes between activists of the ruling Awami League party and supporters of the main Bangladesh Nationalist Party opposition in separate incidents.

Eight people were killed in clashes on election day in Bangladesh on Sunday, police said. While three people were killed in skirmishes between activists of the ruling Awami League party and supporters of the main Bangladesh Nationalist Party opposition in separate incidents. Two others were shot dead by police, one after he tried to steal a ballot box and the other when opposition activists attempted to storm a polling station, according to officers. Voting for the general elections in Bangladesh, to elect the country's next prime minister, began at 8:00 am on Sunday. Over 10 crore Bangladeshis are expected to vote in the single-phase general election in the country's 11th national parliamentary election. Polls opened at 08:00 am (0200 GMT) amid tight security following a campaign that was marred by violence and allegations of a government crackdown on opposition activists. Around 600,000 security personnel were deployed in the country ahead of the polls. Clashes have gripped the Muslim majority country of 165 million in the run-up to the polls. Thirteen people were earlier killed and thousands injured in skirmishes between supporters of Hasina's ruling Awami League and activists of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). (With inputs from agencies)

Eight dead in election-related violence in Bangladesh

Bangladeshi <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/its-not-between-sheikh-hasina-and-me-its-about-politics-of-value-kamal-hossain-187073">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina </a>considers being called authoritarian by the western media a "badge of honour", the leader's son told Reuters on the eve of a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-deploys-600000-security-forces-ahead-of-elections-187152">national election</a> on Sunday.

Hasina, who is widely expected to win a third <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladeshs-battling-begums-fight-for-survival-in-2018-187097">straight term in office</a>, has been hailed domestically for fast economic growth in the past decade and internationally for providing refuge to Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution in neighbouring Myanmar.

But her government has been accused of suppressing dissent and jailing critics, including many supporters of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Many journalists say she has intimidated the media by using vaguely worded laws against them.

Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed, however, told Reuters there was space for dissent in the Muslim-majority country of 165 million people, and that the Western media was unfair in its portrayal of his mother.

"You know what my mother told me this morning? 'Branded authoritarian by the Western media now is a badge of honour'" Wazed, who lives in Washington D.C. and runs an IT business in the United States, said in the prime minister's official residence in Dhaka.

"Don't you see anti-government posts on Facebook? Do you not see that? You are free to write whatever you want but you are not free to hurt someone. If you write something false and that causes an attack on someone, should there be no consequences?"

He said the ruling party would reconsider a tough new media law it introduced and another it has tightened if it retains power.

The 47-year-old, who entered politics reluctantly and has declined to take a senior position in the ruling Awami League, said he was not keen on becoming prime minister.

"Anything is possible, but interested? No. Possible perhaps, but only time will tell," said Wazed, who is also the information and communication technology adviser to the prime minister.

Opposition, industries

The BNP, which is fighting this election as part of an alliance after boycotting the last one in 2014, says more than 8,200 leaders and activists of the alliance have been arrested since the election schedule was announced early last month. It added four workers had been killed and more than 12,300 injured in various assaults in that period.

The Awami League has denied any role in the violence.

Wazed dismissed accusations that the ruling party had "manipulated" police and the judiciary to get BNP chief and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia jailed in February on corruption charges to weaken the opposition before the election.

Khaleda's son and acting BNP chief Tarique Rahman, who lives in exile in London, faces imprisonment if he returns home after a court in October sentenced him to life in jail over an alleged plot to assassinate Hasina in 2004, when she was in the opposition. He denies any such plot.

"If courts and police are manipulated why did it take a decade to convict Khaleda Zia and her son? Why did it take us so long?" said Wazed, who speaks with a U.S. accent.

He said if the Awami League formed another government, it would look at raising the minimum wage for workers in the garments industry, which generates sales of more than $30 billion a year and is the biggest after China's. It only recently raised the level for the first time in five years, though workers have asked for more.

But he said the ultimate goal was to divert some of the garment workers to mobile phone and electronics manufacturing. He said South Korea's Samsung Electronics had already started a mobile phone assembly plant in Bangladesh and its South Korean rival LG had acquired land to open an electronics assembly plant.

"Our goal is to move up the value chain," he said. "We don't want to stay stuck on the garments sector."

Sheikh Hasina has been hailed domestically for fast economic growth in the past decade and internationally for providing refuge to Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution in neighbouring Myanmar.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina considers being called authoritarian by the western media a "badge of honour", the leader's son told Reuters on the eve of a national election on Sunday. Hasina, who is widely expected to win a third straight term in office, has been hailed domestically for fast economic growth in the past decade and internationally for providing refuge to Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution in neighbouring Myanmar. But her government has been accused of suppressing dissent and jailing critics, including many supporters of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Many journalists say she has intimidated the media by using vaguely worded laws against them. Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed, however, told Reuters there was space for dissent in the Muslim-majority country of 165 million people, and that the Western media was unfair in its portrayal of his mother. "You know what my mother told me this morning? 'Branded authoritarian by the Western media now is a badge of honour'" Wazed, who lives in Washington D.C. and runs an IT business in the United States, said in the prime minister's official residence in Dhaka. "Don't you see anti-government posts on Facebook? Do you not see that? You are free to write whatever you want but you are not free to hurt someone. If you write something false and that causes an attack on someone, should there be no consequences?" He said the ruling party would reconsider a tough new media law it introduced and another it has tightened if it retains power. The 47-year-old, who entered politics reluctantly and has declined to take a senior position in the ruling Awami League, said he was not keen on becoming prime minister. "Anything is possible, but interested? No. Possible perhaps, but only time will tell," said Wazed, who is also the information and communication technology adviser to the prime minister. Opposition, industries The BNP, which is fighting this election as part of an alliance after boycotting the last one in 2014, says more than 8,200 leaders and activists of the alliance have been arrested since the election schedule was announced early last month. It added four workers had been killed and more than 12,300 injured in various assaults in that period. The Awami League has denied any role in the violence. Wazed dismissed accusations that the ruling party had "manipulated" police and the judiciary to get BNP chief and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia jailed in February on corruption charges to weaken the opposition before the election. Khaleda's son and acting BNP chief Tarique Rahman, who lives in exile in London, faces imprisonment if he returns home after a court in October sentenced him to life in jail over an alleged plot to assassinate Hasina in 2004, when she was in the opposition. He denies any such plot. "If courts and police are manipulated why did it take a decade to convict Khaleda Zia and her son? Why did it take us so long?" said Wazed, who speaks with a U.S. accent. He said if the Awami League formed another government, it would look at raising the minimum wage for workers in the garments industry, which generates sales of more than $30 billion a year and is the biggest after China's. It only recently raised the level for the first time in five years, though workers have asked for more. But he said the ultimate goal was to divert some of the garment workers to mobile phone and electronics manufacturing. He said South Korea's Samsung Electronics had already started a mobile phone assembly plant in Bangladesh and its South Korean rival LG had acquired land to open an electronics assembly plant. "Our goal is to move up the value chain," he said. "We don't want to stay stuck on the garments sector."

For Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, authoritarian tag is 'badge of honour', says son Sajeeb Wazed

Bangladesh is set to vote on December 30 to decide whether to give a third successive term to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.&nbsp;

Over 10 crore Bangladeshis will vote in a single-phase general election on Sunday in country's 11th national parliamentary election.&nbsp;

Security has been stepped up ahead of the polls. Only vehicles belonging to journalists and police will be allowed to ply on roads. As per reports, around <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-deploys-600000-security-forces-ahead-of-elections-187152">600,000 security personnel have been deployed</a>.

The high decibel election campaigning ended on Thursday after weeks of violence. As the polling hour draws closer, here's taking a quick look at some of the key facts related to Bangladesh's national polls.&nbsp;

1. After 10 years, 39 registered political parties are participating in the general polls.&nbsp;

2. About 104.2 million voters will exercise their franchise in&nbsp;elections.&nbsp;

3. Over 1,800 candidates are contesting in 299 out of 300 parliamentary constituencies.

4. 299 of the total 300 constituencies will go to polls. Polling in one constituency will be conducted on January 27.

5. Rapid Action Battalion has been deployed as a striking force.&nbsp;

6. A total of 1,861 candidates are in the fray.&nbsp;

7. As many as 40,183 polling centres and 207,312 polling booths have been set up.&nbsp;

8. Of the total 40,183 polling centres, 25,827 (64%) have been identified as vulnerable.&nbsp;

9. EVMs will be used in six constituencies - Dhaka 6, Dhaka 13, Chittagong 9, Rangpur 3, Khulna 2 and Satkhira 2.

10.&nbsp;The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has set up a control room to monitor the situation closely. 
&nbsp; 
The primary Opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is in a state of disarray owing to the absence of two of its top leaders.&nbsp;

Main opposition leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/khaleda-zia-bangladeshs-fighter-begum-and-former-premier-marred-by-controversies-185022">Khaleda Zia</a>, who is serving a 10-year jail sentence on corruption charges, has been barred from contesting.

Her son, BNP's acting chief, Tarique Rahman is on an exile in London after a Bangladesh court sentenced him to life in jail for masterminding a grenade attack in 2004 that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists.

The emergence of the National Unity Forum as a joint Opposition platform was a landmark event in Bangladesh's political front this year after Zia's imprisonment in February.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in Zia's absence, it is Kamal Hossain who is giving a tough fight to PM Sheikh Hasina and the ruling Awami League.

Kamal Hossain is the convenor of the opposition National United Front. In a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/its-not-between-sheikh-hasina-and-me-its-about-politics-of-value-kamal-hossain-187073">conversation to WION, Hossain</a> said that PM Hasina and her party have made the elections about money and power.

Bangladesh is set to vote on December 30 to decide whether to give a third successive term to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Over 10 crore Bangladeshis will vote in a single-phase general election on Sunday in country's 11th national parliamentary election.

Bangladesh is set to vote on December 30 to decide whether to give a third successive term to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Over 10 crore Bangladeshis will vote in a single-phase general election on Sunday in country's 11th national parliamentary election. Security has been stepped up ahead of the polls. Only vehicles belonging to journalists and police will be allowed to ply on roads. As per reports, around 600,000 security personnel have been deployed. The high decibel election campaigning ended on Thursday after weeks of violence. As the polling hour draws closer, here's taking a quick look at some of the key facts related to Bangladesh's national polls. 1. After 10 years, 39 registered political parties are participating in the general polls. 2. About 104.2 million voters will exercise their franchise in elections. 3. Over 1,800 candidates are contesting in 299 out of 300 parliamentary constituencies. 4. 299 of the total 300 constituencies will go to polls. Polling in one constituency will be conducted on January 27. 5. Rapid Action Battalion has been deployed as a striking force. 6. A total of 1,861 candidates are in the fray. 7. As many as 40,183 polling centres and 207,312 polling booths have been set up. 8. Of the total 40,183 polling centres, 25,827 (64%) have been identified as vulnerable. 9. EVMs will be used in six constituencies - Dhaka 6, Dhaka 13, Chittagong 9, Rangpur 3, Khulna 2 and Satkhira 2. 10. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has set up a control room to monitor the situation closely. The primary Opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is in a state of disarray owing to the absence of two of its top leaders. Main opposition leader Khaleda Zia, who is serving a 10-year jail sentence on corruption charges, has been barred from contesting. Her son, BNP's acting chief, Tarique Rahman is on an exile in London after a Bangladesh court sentenced him to life in jail for masterminding a grenade attack in 2004 that killed 24 Awami League leaders and activists. The emergence of the National Unity Forum as a joint Opposition platform was a landmark event in Bangladesh's political front this year after Zia's imprisonment in February. Meanwhile, in Zia's absence, it is Kamal Hossain who is giving a tough fight to PM Sheikh Hasina and the ruling Awami League. Kamal Hossain is the convenor of the opposition National United Front. In a conversation to WION, Hossain said that PM Hasina and her party have made the elections about money and power.

Bangladesh elections 2018: A look at key facts

The year 2018 was an eventful one for Bangladesh which is going to crucial polls on Sunday but it may not see the "battling begums" in direct contest as jailed ex-premier Khalida Zia is unable to challenge Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose government maintained steady ties with India.

The two women - Hasina, the 71-year-old daughter of the country's founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Zia, the 73-year-old widow of military dictator Ziaur Rahman, have been political royalty - begums - since the 1980s.

While Hasina is seeking re-election for a fourth term as the prime minister in the upcoming polls, her rival Zia, who is reportedly partially paralysed, faces an uncertain future in a Dhaka jail.

Zia, the two-time former prime minister, boycotted the 2014 elections, saying it was rigged in favour of Hasina and her ruling Awami League party. Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) alleges that the AL-led government is engaged in a crackdown against its workers aiming at derailing its election campaign.

The first woman prime minister in the country's history and second in the Muslim-majority countries after Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto, Zia was in November ordered by a court to stay behind bars for more than a decade for graft. The convictions mean she cannot contest the poll.

Zia's supporters say the charges against her are politically motivated. Her son Tarique Rahman, the acting party head, was also sentenced to life behind bars.

The BNP had decided not to take part in the polls while its top leader was in jail. But the legal obligations forced the party to take part in the elections as the party could have lost its registration with the Election Commission if it would have abstained from polls for a second consecutive time.

The emergence of the National Unity Forum (NUF) as a joint opposition platform was a landmark event in Bangladesh's political front this year after Zia's imprisonment in February.

The alliance created hope for the BNP to have a pre-polls dialogue with the government. A former Awami League stalwart and eminent jurist, Kamal Hossain leads the NUF. He, however, preferred not to contest the polls himself.

Several Western diplomats and political analysts inside the country said the emergence of the NUF created a win-win situation for all stakeholders and paved the way for the BNP to return to Parliament.

Unlike the 2014 elections, major foreign powers appeared appreciative of the current political course despite their worries about the rights situation in the country. 
The zero use of the anti-India rhetoric during the election campaign came as a respite to New Delhi, which in the past was accused of intervening in the country's politics.

Analysts said the BNP over the years preferred to get New Delhi as an ally, burying the old hostile attitude, a development which some of them preferred to call "bipartisan consensus" regarding the next-door neighbour.

Bangladesh's ties with India this year grew steadily, with high-level visits from both sides. Hasina visited India in May during which she held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The last few years have been a "golden chapter" in India-Bangladesh relationship when complicated issues of land and coastal boundaries were resolved, Modi said at the time.

Echoing his views, Hasina hoped that the remaining issues will also be resolved in a "friendly atmosphere".

India signed a revised travel agreement with Bangladesh during Home Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Dhaka in July.

Under the Revised Travel Arrangement (RTA)-2018, freedom fighters and elderly Bangladeshi nationals will get five-year multiple visa from India.

During the year, the two countries launched many development cooperation projects, including the construction of the Akhaura-Agartala rail line and the restoration of Kulaura-Shahbazpur section of railway line.

The two countries jointly inaugurated the construction of a 130-km Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline between Siliguri in West Bengal and Parbatipur in Dinajpur. India also announced a three-year visa for Bangladeshi students willing to study in the country. The issue of Teesta water sharing issue, however, remained unresolved.

Most analysts feel that the crucial bilateral ties now witness a new trajectory since the Awami League assumed power in 2009 and they expect the relations to grow further in 2019 irrespective of the outcome of Bangladesh's elections.

The Rohingya crisis remained a major issue in Bangladesh this year. The country rallied huge international support to put pressure on Myanmar to take back minority Muslim Rohingyas who fled the country following a military crackdown.

After several rounds of talks, Myanmar agreed to start the repatriation. But the planned beginning of the repatriation of thousands of Rohingyas which was set for November 15 faced a setback amid concerns over their safety once they return to their homeland in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

Some foreign relations analysts said Dhaka was a bit upset with India's role in the Rohingya crisis particularly for not mounting pressure on Myanmar to take back 1.1 million people, who were forced to take refuge in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh set a bad track record in terms of human rights this year, drawing massive criticism for incidents of "forced disappearances" and deaths in the hands of law enforcement agencies.

As Bangladesh is getting ready to install a new government, the new year promises a lot of action not only on the political front but also on foreign policy front.&nbsp;

The year 2018 was an eventful one for Bangladesh which is going to crucial polls on Sunday but it may not see the "battling begums" in direct contest as jailed ex-premier Khalida Zia is unable to challenge Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose government maintained steady ties with India.

The year 2018 was an eventful one for Bangladesh which is going to crucial polls on Sunday but it may not see the "battling begums" in direct contest as jailed ex-premier Khalida Zia is unable to challenge Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose government maintained steady ties with India. The two women - Hasina, the 71-year-old daughter of the country's founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Zia, the 73-year-old widow of military dictator Ziaur Rahman, have been political royalty - begums - since the 1980s. While Hasina is seeking re-election for a fourth term as the prime minister in the upcoming polls, her rival Zia, who is reportedly partially paralysed, faces an uncertain future in a Dhaka jail. Zia, the two-time former prime minister, boycotted the 2014 elections, saying it was rigged in favour of Hasina and her ruling Awami League party. Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) alleges that the AL-led government is engaged in a crackdown against its workers aiming at derailing its election campaign. The first woman prime minister in the country's history and second in the Muslim-majority countries after Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto, Zia was in November ordered by a court to stay behind bars for more than a decade for graft. The convictions mean she cannot contest the poll. Zia's supporters say the charges against her are politically motivated. Her son Tarique Rahman, the acting party head, was also sentenced to life behind bars. The BNP had decided not to take part in the polls while its top leader was in jail. But the legal obligations forced the party to take part in the elections as the party could have lost its registration with the Election Commission if it would have abstained from polls for a second consecutive time. The emergence of the National Unity Forum (NUF) as a joint opposition platform was a landmark event in Bangladesh's political front this year after Zia's imprisonment in February. The alliance created hope for the BNP to have a pre-polls dialogue with the government. A former Awami League stalwart and eminent jurist, Kamal Hossain leads the NUF. He, however, preferred not to contest the polls himself. Several Western diplomats and political analysts inside the country said the emergence of the NUF created a win-win situation for all stakeholders and paved the way for the BNP to return to Parliament. Unlike the 2014 elections, major foreign powers appeared appreciative of the current political course despite their worries about the rights situation in the country. The zero use of the anti-India rhetoric during the election campaign came as a respite to New Delhi, which in the past was accused of intervening in the country's politics. Analysts said the BNP over the years preferred to get New Delhi as an ally, burying the old hostile attitude, a development which some of them preferred to call "bipartisan consensus" regarding the next-door neighbour. Bangladesh's ties with India this year grew steadily, with high-level visits from both sides. Hasina visited India in May during which she held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The last few years have been a "golden chapter" in India-Bangladesh relationship when complicated issues of land and coastal boundaries were resolved, Modi said at the time. Echoing his views, Hasina hoped that the remaining issues will also be resolved in a "friendly atmosphere". India signed a revised travel agreement with Bangladesh during Home Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Dhaka in July. Under the Revised Travel Arrangement (RTA)-2018, freedom fighters and elderly Bangladeshi nationals will get five-year multiple visa from India. During the year, the two countries launched many development cooperation projects, including the construction of the Akhaura-Agartala rail line and the restoration of Kulaura-Shahbazpur section of railway line. The two countries jointly inaugurated the construction of a 130-km Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline between Siliguri in West Bengal and Parbatipur in Dinajpur. India also announced a three-year visa for Bangladeshi students willing to study in the country. The issue of Teesta water sharing issue, however, remained unresolved. Most analysts feel that the crucial bilateral ties now witness a new trajectory since the Awami League assumed power in 2009 and they expect the relations to grow further in 2019 irrespective of the outcome of Bangladesh's elections. The Rohingya crisis remained a major issue in Bangladesh this year. The country rallied huge international support to put pressure on Myanmar to take back minority Muslim Rohingyas who fled the country following a military crackdown. After several rounds of talks, Myanmar agreed to start the repatriation. But the planned beginning of the repatriation of thousands of Rohingyas which was set for November 15 faced a setback amid concerns over their safety once they return to their homeland in Myanmar's Rakhine state. Some foreign relations analysts said Dhaka was a bit upset with India's role in the Rohingya crisis particularly for not mounting pressure on Myanmar to take back 1.1 million people, who were forced to take refuge in Bangladesh. Bangladesh set a bad track record in terms of human rights this year, drawing massive criticism for incidents of "forced disappearances" and deaths in the hands of law enforcement agencies. As Bangladesh is getting ready to install a new government, the new year promises a lot of action not only on the political front but also on foreign policy front.

Bangladesh's 'battling begums' fight for survival in 2018

Bangladesh polls 2018: Over 1,800 candidates in fray and other key facts

For Kamal Hossain, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is an autocrat who has betrayed the legacy of her independence hero father.

The 82-year-old former friend of Bangladesh’s first president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman heads an alliance opposing Hasina’s bid for a historic fourth term in a general election Sunday.

Hossain accuses Hasina’s Awami League party of trampling over Bangladesh’s hard-won democratic freedoms by locking up and attacking opposition activists in a bid to rig the poll.

Speaking to WION, he said, "My only protest is against the current course of politics. We are in support of democracy. East Bengal was the first place to give the vote for democracy. All of us Bengalis believe in democracy. I cannot understand why this govt cannot understand this thing."

Pointing out at issues with Sheikh Hasina, he said, "It's not between Sheikh Hasina and me. It's the politics. It's all about money and muscle. We want to keep alive the politics that Bangladesh has been all about, which is values and not acquiring more money and more &nbsp;muscle."

"There was a lot of tussle in the party over monetary issues. They were in support of putting weapons in the pockets of the boys at the party and I was against all of this. I will never use the money for politics and vice versa. I'm 80 now. People so much younger have come into politics. I thought I will stay back and guide. Even before I was never committed to politics whole time. I was into teaching and law. The worst thing today is how many lakhs can you give up. Earlier it was lakhs, now its crores'," he added.

To a question about the relationship with India, he answered, "I worked with India closely. Especially with Indira Gandhi and Sardar Swaran Singh. We signed the land boundary agreement. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman asked for a hill station, you have Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Shillong. Ministers seemed perturbed. Then everyone burst out laughing."&nbsp;

Kamal Hossain had also served as a UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan from 1998-2003.

"The main weapon given to Taliban was corruption. Taliban is taking full advantage of this. Latest is the US pulling out troops. Pakistan is also involved in this who can be only dealt with by the US. A person like Trump has no understanding of anything. He thinks he can do all kinds of gimmicks and he is hurting Afghanistan. Although India does not have direct borders with Afghanistan, India has a vital interest in Afghanistan and so has entire South Asia," he said on the present situation of Afghanistan.

Hossain, a lawyer, was Bangladesh’s first law minister following independence from Pakistan in 1971 and headed the committee that drew up a constitution the following year.

(With inputs from AFP)

For Kamal Hossain, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is an autocrat who has betrayed the legacy of her independence hero father. The 82-year-old former friend of Bangladesh’s first president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman heads an alliance opposing Hasina’s bid for a historic fourth term in a general election Sunday.

For Kamal Hossain, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is an autocrat who has betrayed the legacy of her independence hero father. The 82-year-old former friend of Bangladesh’s first president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman heads an alliance opposing Hasina’s bid for a historic fourth term in a general election Sunday. Hossain accuses Hasina’s Awami League party of trampling over Bangladesh’s hard-won democratic freedoms by locking up and attacking opposition activists in a bid to rig the poll. Speaking to WION, he said, "My only protest is against the current course of politics. We are in support of democracy. East Bengal was the first place to give the vote for democracy. All of us Bengalis believe in democracy. I cannot understand why this govt cannot understand this thing." Pointing out at issues with Sheikh Hasina, he said, "It's not between Sheikh Hasina and me. It's the politics. It's all about money and muscle. We want to keep alive the politics that Bangladesh has been all about, which is values and not acquiring more money and more muscle." "There was a lot of tussle in the party over monetary issues. They were in support of putting weapons in the pockets of the boys at the party and I was against all of this. I will never use the money for politics and vice versa. I'm 80 now. People so much younger have come into politics. I thought I will stay back and guide. Even before I was never committed to politics whole time. I was into teaching and law. The worst thing today is how many lakhs can you give up. Earlier it was lakhs, now its crores'," he added. To a question about the relationship with India, he answered, "I worked with India closely. Especially with Indira Gandhi and Sardar Swaran Singh. We signed the land boundary agreement. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman asked for a hill station, you have Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Shillong. Ministers seemed perturbed. Then everyone burst out laughing." Kamal Hossain had also served as a UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan from 1998-2003. "The main weapon given to Taliban was corruption. Taliban is taking full advantage of this. Latest is the US pulling out troops. Pakistan is also involved in this who can be only dealt with by the US. A person like Trump has no understanding of anything. He thinks he can do all kinds of gimmicks and he is hurting Afghanistan. Although India does not have direct borders with Afghanistan, India has a vital interest in Afghanistan and so has entire South Asia," he said on the present situation of Afghanistan. Hossain, a lawyer, was Bangladesh’s first law minister following independence from Pakistan in 1971 and headed the committee that drew up a constitution the following year. (With inputs from AFP)

It's not between Sheikh Hasina and me, it's about politics of value: Kamal Hossain to WION

Bangladesh has a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/more-violence-and-arrests-of-opposition-activists-mars-bangaldesh-election-187035"> general election </a>this weekend, but opposition candidate Abdul Moyeen Khan says he is yet to hold a single public meeting in his constituency about 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Dhaka, the capital.

Thousands of campaign fliers bearing photographs of the nuclear physicist with flowing grey hair lie in piles at his home because his supporters are too frightened to put them up in public places, the 72-year-old said.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the Muslim majority nation's biggest opposition group, is fighting Sunday's election as part of an alliance cobbled together three months ago. But its leaders, candidates such as Khan, and workers say they are facing violent attacks and intimidation, including shootings and arrests, that have stunted their ability to campaign.

Posters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League are plastered and hung up from utility poles across the country. But barely visible are those of its opponents, many of whom, including BNP chairperson and three-time premier Khaleda Zia, have been jailed on what the BNP calls trumped-up charges.

Not trusting Hasina to hold a fair election, the BNP boycotted the last vote in 2014. This time, it stayed in the race by banding together with smaller parties, but several BNP leaders say they are regretting that decision.

With over 100 million registered voters and 300 seats in parliament, this is one of the largest national elections anywhere in the world this year. But as campaigning came to an end on Friday, opposition leaders said they had barely stirred out of their homes.

"I am not even allowed to campaign, and they are threatening voters to stay away," Khan said at his home in Dhaka earlier this week, where he was visiting an assistant hospitalised after being assaulted.

In the first two days of this week, opposition workers in 88 constituencies had been attacked, Khan said. One candidate has sued police for shooting him eight times with pellet bullets while he was out seeking votes.

Hasina's Awami League, seeking a third straight term in power, has denied the allegations and blames the opposition for attacks that killed at least five of its workers and injured more than 300 in the past three weeks.

In a recent interview, Awami League leader HT&nbsp;Imam handed Reuters photographs of people he called opposition "thugs" vandalising shops, setting fire to vehicles, and burning Awami League posters in Dhaka in November.

Imam also listed steps Hasina had taken since coming to power to ensure free and fair elections, including strengthening the Election Commission, introducing see-through ballot boxes and empowering the police to act against political parties' use of money and muscle.

Divided election commission

Yet a rift has developed in the Election Commission, with Mahbub Talukdar, one of the five commissioners, saying last week there was no level playing field.

"It is not enough to hold a participatory election, it should also be free, fair and as per the law," Talukdar said in a statement on Wednesday.

His boss, Chief Election Commissioner KM&nbsp;Nurul Huda, has said Talukdar was lying and also rejected the opposition's allegations of bias. He did not respond to calls from Reuters seeking further comment. Police say they have been working under the orders of the Election Commission since last month.

More than 61 per cent of the opposition alliance's 287 candidates face criminal cases, compared with only around 7 per cent of the ruling party's 299, according to affidavits filed by candidates at the Election Commission that were analysed by the Dhaka-based civil society group Shujan.

Most cases against the opposition are "politically motivated", Shujan's Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar said.

BNP says more than 8,200 leaders and activists of the opposition alliance, comprising around 20 parties, have been arrested since the election schedule was announced early last month. It added four workers had been killed and more than 12,300 injured in various assaults in that period.

Sohel Rana, a spokesman for the Bangladesh police, declined to give figures of arrests or attacks on political leaders and activists but said his department took allegations of mistakes in filing charges seriously and would take action against any officers found responsible.

Street politics has always been violent in Bangladesh, which won freedom from Pakistan in 1971 under the leadership of Hasina's father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Khaleda, who has served as prime minister for 10 years, is the widow of former president Ziaur Rahman.

A bitter decades-long rivalry between Hasina and Khaleda - often called "the two begums", or noblewomen - has frequently manifested itself in violence by their parties' student and youth wings.

Ataur Rahman, who chairs the bipartisan think-tank Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), said the dominance of the party in power, violence across the country, and police cases against the opposition were all concerns.

Hasina tipped to win

A Facebook poll by CGS this week showed nearly 80 per cent of 4,500 respondents were in favour of the opposition. Still, Rahman predicts Hasina will retain power. And other polls show her party remains popular.

Results released in September of a survey by the US-based nonprofit International Republican Institute showed 62 per cent of Bangladeshis said they thought the country was headed in the right direction, citing an improving economy. The country's garments industry that generates sales of $30 billion a year, is booming.

But the survey of 5,000 respondents also found that Bangladeshis were losing confidence in democratic institutions and processes, with only 32 per cent saying they believed this election would be free and fair.

Hasina has been lauded internationally for providing refuge to Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution in Myanmar, but her government is accused of suppressing dissent and jailing critics. Many journalists say she has intimidated the media by using vaguely worded laws, which she denies.

US funded political observers who were scheduled to visit to monitor elections have been forced to cancel plans due to what Washington said was Bangladesh's "inability to grant credentials and issue visas within the timeframe necessary". Bangladesh's foreign ministry said it was following due process.

Where are the posters?

When a group of daily wage labourers gathered in Dhaka this week, supporters of both political groups said no other prime minister had helped build more roads and culverts than Hasina.

But they said they should be free to elect their leader, and that a lack of campaigning by the opposition was not helping them decide.

"Opposition people can't even put up election posters, can’t open election offices," said Musharraf Hussain Sharafat, 50, who works as a decorator at tents put up for weddings. "We think we won’t even be allowed to vote."

In Noakhali district, about 100 miles (160 km) south of Dhaka, opposition posters in two key constituencies are hardly visible.

In one of them, the Awami League’s General Secretary and Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, Obaidul Quader, was seen out seeking votes last weekend with a cavalcade of black SUVs and his area's top police officer for security.

Quader smiled down from posters hung from trees, electrical wires, and plastered on walls, as loudspeakers perched atop rickshaws blared Hasina’s praises.

His opponent Modud Ahmed, a former prime minister, said he had stayed in his home for most of this month out of fear of attacks. He said his supporters face assaults and threats from stick and gun-wielding Awami League student and youth wing activists.

"We don't call them students," said Ahmed, Bangladesh's first postmaster-general. "We call them Hasina's armed cadres. There is a reign of terror."

Quader declined to meet with Reuters despite repeated requests.

Nizam Uddin, local leader of the Awami League’s student wing, rubbished Ahmed's allegations, saying instead that his own members had been attacked by BNP workers.

Thousands of campaign fliers bearing photographs of the nuclear physicist with flowing grey hair lie in piles at his home because his supporters are too frightened to put them up in public places, the 72-year-old said.

Bangladesh has a general election this weekend, but opposition candidate Abdul Moyeen Khan says he is yet to hold a single public meeting in his constituency about 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Dhaka, the capital. Thousands of campaign fliers bearing photographs of the nuclear physicist with flowing grey hair lie in piles at his home because his supporters are too frightened to put them up in public places, the 72-year-old said. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the Muslim majority nation's biggest opposition group, is fighting Sunday's election as part of an alliance cobbled together three months ago. But its leaders, candidates such as Khan, and workers say they are facing violent attacks and intimidation, including shootings and arrests, that have stunted their ability to campaign. Posters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League are plastered and hung up from utility poles across the country. But barely visible are those of its opponents, many of whom, including BNP chairperson and three-time premier Khaleda Zia, have been jailed on what the BNP calls trumped-up charges. Not trusting Hasina to hold a fair election, the BNP boycotted the last vote in 2014. This time, it stayed in the race by banding together with smaller parties, but several BNP leaders say they are regretting that decision. With over 100 million registered voters and 300 seats in parliament, this is one of the largest national elections anywhere in the world this year. But as campaigning came to an end on Friday, opposition leaders said they had barely stirred out of their homes. "I am not even allowed to campaign, and they are threatening voters to stay away," Khan said at his home in Dhaka earlier this week, where he was visiting an assistant hospitalised after being assaulted. In the first two days of this week, opposition workers in 88 constituencies had been attacked, Khan said. One candidate has sued police for shooting him eight times with pellet bullets while he was out seeking votes. Hasina's Awami League, seeking a third straight term in power, has denied the allegations and blames the opposition for attacks that killed at least five of its workers and injured more than 300 in the past three weeks. In a recent interview, Awami League leader HT Imam handed Reuters photographs of people he called opposition "thugs" vandalising shops, setting fire to vehicles, and burning Awami League posters in Dhaka in November. Imam also listed steps Hasina had taken since coming to power to ensure free and fair elections, including strengthening the Election Commission, introducing see-through ballot boxes and empowering the police to act against political parties' use of money and muscle. Divided election commission Yet a rift has developed in the Election Commission, with Mahbub Talukdar, one of the five commissioners, saying last week there was no level playing field. "It is not enough to hold a participatory election, it should also be free, fair and as per the law," Talukdar said in a statement on Wednesday. His boss, Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda, has said Talukdar was lying and also rejected the opposition's allegations of bias. He did not respond to calls from Reuters seeking further comment. Police say they have been working under the orders of the Election Commission since last month. More than 61 per cent of the opposition alliance's 287 candidates face criminal cases, compared with only around 7 per cent of the ruling party's 299, according to affidavits filed by candidates at the Election Commission that were analysed by the Dhaka-based civil society group Shujan. Most cases against the opposition are "politically motivated", Shujan's Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar said. BNP says more than 8,200 leaders and activists of the opposition alliance, comprising around 20 parties, have been arrested since the election schedule was announced early last month. It added four workers had been killed and more than 12,300 injured in various assaults in that period. Sohel Rana, a spokesman for the Bangladesh police, declined to give figures of arrests or attacks on political leaders and activists but said his department took allegations of mistakes in filing charges seriously and would take action against any officers found responsible. Street politics has always been violent in Bangladesh, which won freedom from Pakistan in 1971 under the leadership of Hasina's father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Khaleda, who has served as prime minister for 10 years, is the widow of former president Ziaur Rahman. A bitter decades-long rivalry between Hasina and Khaleda - often called "the two begums", or noblewomen - has frequently manifested itself in violence by their parties' student and youth wings. Ataur Rahman, who chairs the bipartisan think-tank Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), said the dominance of the party in power, violence across the country, and police cases against the opposition were all concerns. Hasina tipped to win A Facebook poll by CGS this week showed nearly 80 per cent of 4,500 respondents were in favour of the opposition. Still, Rahman predicts Hasina will retain power. And other polls show her party remains popular. Results released in September of a survey by the US-based nonprofit International Republican Institute showed 62 per cent of Bangladeshis said they thought the country was headed in the right direction, citing an improving economy. The country's garments industry that generates sales of $30 billion a year, is booming. But the survey of 5,000 respondents also found that Bangladeshis were losing confidence in democratic institutions and processes, with only 32 per cent saying they believed this election would be free and fair. Hasina has been lauded internationally for providing refuge to Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution in Myanmar, but her government is accused of suppressing dissent and jailing critics. Many journalists say she has intimidated the media by using vaguely worded laws, which she denies. US funded political observers who were scheduled to visit to monitor elections have been forced to cancel plans due to what Washington said was Bangladesh's "inability to grant credentials and issue visas within the timeframe necessary". Bangladesh's foreign ministry said it was following due process. Where are the posters? When a group of daily wage labourers gathered in Dhaka this week, supporters of both political groups said no other prime minister had helped build more roads and culverts than Hasina. But they said they should be free to elect their leader, and that a lack of campaigning by the opposition was not helping them decide. "Opposition people can't even put up election posters, can’t open election offices," said Musharraf Hussain Sharafat, 50, who works as a decorator at tents put up for weddings. "We think we won’t even be allowed to vote." In Noakhali district, about 100 miles (160 km) south of Dhaka, opposition posters in two key constituencies are hardly visible. In one of them, the Awami League’s General Secretary and Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, Obaidul Quader, was seen out seeking votes last weekend with a cavalcade of black SUVs and his area's top police officer for security. Quader smiled down from posters hung from trees, electrical wires, and plastered on walls, as loudspeakers perched atop rickshaws blared Hasina’s praises. His opponent Modud Ahmed, a former prime minister, said he had stayed in his home for most of this month out of fear of attacks. He said his supporters face assaults and threats from stick and gun-wielding Awami League student and youth wing activists. "We don't call them students," said Ahmed, Bangladesh's first postmaster-general. "We call them Hasina's armed cadres. There is a reign of terror." Quader declined to meet with Reuters despite repeated requests. Nizam Uddin, local leader of the Awami League’s student wing, rubbished Ahmed's allegations, saying instead that his own members had been attacked by BNP workers.

Ahead of Bangladesh vote, opposition says it faces 'a reign of terror'

Campaigning for Bangladesh's general election at the weekend ended on Friday after weeks of violence, mainly against workers and officials from an opposition alliance, that has been criticised by the United States and others.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League is seeking its third straight term in Sunday's election against the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which boycotted the last vote in 2014.

The Awami League is promoting its economic record over the past decade but the BNP-led opposition alliance, many of whose leaders have been jailed, has vowed to remove curbs on the media, raise wages and freeze energy prices.

"The government has lost moral support," BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told a news conference late on Thursday, urging voters to "restore democracy".

"But the people are with us. They want change," he said.

The BNP's preparations have been hamstrung by the February jailing of their chairwoman, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, on what they call trumped-up corruption charges.

Awami League leaders deny any misuse of power and say they will return to government with an overwhelming majority.

Hasina told supporters on Thursday they must "ensure victory of pro-liberation forces", a reference to Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan in 1971 led by her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The Economist Intelligence Unit expects her party to win a third term.

The BNP said on Thursday more than 8,200 opposition leaders and activists from a coalition of about 20 parties have been arrested since the election schedule was announced early last month. Four workers were killed and more than 12,300 injured, it said.

The Awami League has, in turn, said the BNP and its partners were behind attacks that killed at least five of its workers over the past three weeks.

Police declined to confirm the figures.

Mahbub Talukdar, one of Bangladesh's five election commissioners, has said there has not been a level playing field, although other commissioners have said they expected the election would be free and fair.

Earl Miller, the US ambassador to Bangladesh, said all parties had been victims of violence, including women and minority candidates.

"However, it appears opposition party candidates have borne the brunt of most violence," he said in a statement after meeting Election Commission officials on Thursday.

Miller said all candidates and voters must be able to take part without "harassment, intimidation, or violence" and that an independent media must be allowed to cover the election.

The United Nations has made a similar call for a "peaceful, credible and inclusive poll".

Campaigning for Bangladesh's general election at the weekend ended on Friday after weeks of violence, mainly against workers and officials from an opposition alliance, that has been criticised by the United States and others.

Campaigning for Bangladesh's general election at the weekend ended on Friday after weeks of violence, mainly against workers and officials from an opposition alliance, that has been criticised by the United States and others. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League is seeking its third straight term in Sunday's election against the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which boycotted the last vote in 2014. The Awami League is promoting its economic record over the past decade but the BNP-led opposition alliance, many of whose leaders have been jailed, has vowed to remove curbs on the media, raise wages and freeze energy prices. "The government has lost moral support," BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told a news conference late on Thursday, urging voters to "restore democracy". "But the people are with us. They want change," he said. The BNP's preparations have been hamstrung by the February jailing of their chairwoman, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, on what they call trumped-up corruption charges. Awami League leaders deny any misuse of power and say they will return to government with an overwhelming majority. Hasina told supporters on Thursday they must "ensure victory of pro-liberation forces", a reference to Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan in 1971 led by her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Economist Intelligence Unit expects her party to win a third term. The BNP said on Thursday more than 8,200 opposition leaders and activists from a coalition of about 20 parties have been arrested since the election schedule was announced early last month. Four workers were killed and more than 12,300 injured, it said. The Awami League has, in turn, said the BNP and its partners were behind attacks that killed at least five of its workers over the past three weeks. Police declined to confirm the figures. Mahbub Talukdar, one of Bangladesh's five election commissioners, has said there has not been a level playing field, although other commissioners have said they expected the election would be free and fair. Earl Miller, the US ambassador to Bangladesh, said all parties had been victims of violence, including women and minority candidates. "However, it appears opposition party candidates have borne the brunt of most violence," he said in a statement after meeting Election Commission officials on Thursday. Miller said all candidates and voters must be able to take part without "harassment, intimidation, or violence" and that an independent media must be allowed to cover the election. The United Nations has made a similar call for a "peaceful, credible and inclusive poll".

Weakened Bangladesh opposition hopes for change in Sunday's election

Days after Bangladesh’s elite counter-terrorism unit Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) unearthed a plot of Pakistan Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) trying to sabotage upcoming elections with the help of Bangladesh Nationalist Party leaders, the RAB chief Benazir Ahmed made some startling revelation in an exclusive interaction with Wion.

He said that Pakistan authorities have confirmed that politicians from their country are in touch with a Bangladesh political party to rig polls are scheduled for December 30.

"We have enough inputs shared by our counterparts in Pakistan that some Pakistan based politicians were in touch with a political party in Bangladesh. We have been given specific inputs and we are working on it," said RAB chief.&nbsp;

Ahmed also said that the huge amount of money recovered from two locations in Dhaka was part of a conspiracy aimed to influence voters.

"The money was brought to Bangladesh through hawala and the hundis. It was sourced from middle-eastern countries aimed to influence voters and use the money to create tension by violence. The day we raided these offices on December 25 was the same day a huge amount of money was sent to Shariatpur constituency, later the area witnessed widespread violence," added Ahmed.&nbsp;

Most importantly, Ahmed said that this could be just the tip of the iceberg.&nbsp;

"This is a part of an organised network. We found registers that contained recent entries. The details mentioned constituencies and the amount of black money distributed. We are tracking the money trail," Ahmed said.&nbsp;

On being quizzed whether the acting chairman of the BNP, Tarique Rahman who is on a self-imposed exile in London held meetings with ISI agency regarding the monetary transaction, he said that the possibility that cannot be ruled out.

The RAB is also investigating whether the phone conversation that had surfaced between a BNP leader and ISI agency had any connection with the raid.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Days after Bangladesh’s elite counter-terrorism unit Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) unearthed a plot of Pakistan Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) trying to sabotage upcoming elections with the help of Bangladesh Nationalist Party leaders, the RAB chief Benazir Ahmed made some startling revelation in an exclusive interaction with Wion.

Days after Bangladesh’s elite counter-terrorism unit Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) unearthed a plot of Pakistan Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) trying to sabotage upcoming elections with the help of Bangladesh Nationalist Party leaders, the RAB chief Benazir Ahmed made some startling revelation in an exclusive interaction with Wion. He said that Pakistan authorities have confirmed that politicians from their country are in touch with a Bangladesh political party to rig polls are scheduled for December 30. "We have enough inputs shared by our counterparts in Pakistan that some Pakistan based politicians were in touch with a political party in Bangladesh. We have been given specific inputs and we are working on it," said RAB chief. Ahmed also said that the huge amount of money recovered from two locations in Dhaka was part of a conspiracy aimed to influence voters. "The money was brought to Bangladesh through hawala and the hundis. It was sourced from middle-eastern countries aimed to influence voters and use the money to create tension by violence. The day we raided these offices on December 25 was the same day a huge amount of money was sent to Shariatpur constituency, later the area witnessed widespread violence," added Ahmed. Most importantly, Ahmed said that this could be just the tip of the iceberg. "This is a part of an organised network. We found registers that contained recent entries. The details mentioned constituencies and the amount of black money distributed. We are tracking the money trail," Ahmed said. On being quizzed whether the acting chairman of the BNP, Tarique Rahman who is on a self-imposed exile in London held meetings with ISI agency regarding the monetary transaction, he said that the possibility that cannot be ruled out. The RAB is also investigating whether the phone conversation that had surfaced between a BNP leader and ISI agency had any connection with the raid.

Pakistan leaders are trying to meddle upcoming Bangladesh elections: RAB chief to WION

Bangladesh has ordered the shutdown of high-speed mobile internet services ahead of this weekend's national election, the Daily Star reported on Friday citing an email sent to mobile operators by the telecom authority.

The newspaper said people using the internet on their phones would not be able to stream or upload pictures or videos after the order was issued late on Thursday by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

Reuters could not reach BTRC officials on Friday, a public holiday in Bangladesh, and there was no notification on the commission's website. However, a Reuters reporter could still use 4G services on his phone on Friday morning.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League is seeking its third straight term in Sunday's election against the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which boycotted the last vote in 2014.

Bangladesh has ordered the shutdown of high-speed mobile internet services ahead of this weekend's national election, the Daily Star reported on Friday citing an email sent to mobile operators by the telecom authority.

Bangladesh has ordered the shutdown of high-speed mobile internet services ahead of this weekend's national election, the Daily Star reported on Friday citing an email sent to mobile operators by the telecom authority. The newspaper said people using the internet on their phones would not be able to stream or upload pictures or videos after the order was issued late on Thursday by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). Reuters could not reach BTRC officials on Friday, a public holiday in Bangladesh, and there was no notification on the commission's website. However, a Reuters reporter could still use 4G services on his phone on Friday morning. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League is seeking its third straight term in Sunday's election against the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which boycotted the last vote in 2014.

Bangladesh slows down mobile internet speeds ahead of election

Bangladesh's general election campaign ended Friday with more deadly violence and arrests of opposition activists which have raised international concern as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina seeks a record fourth term.

A ruling Awami League party supporter was killed by opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) followers, police said. The BNP claimed 19 more of its activists had been detained ahead of Sunday's vote.

Authorities suspended high-speed 3G and 4G internet services for several hours in an effort to fight what a telecoms watchdog official called the "propaganda" fuelling unrest.

The official campaign ended after seven weeks of widespread street clashes and accusations of an official crackdown on the opposition.&nbsp;

An opinion poll indicated Hasina is favourite to win despite the controversy.

Police said the Awami League supporter was beaten to death in the northeastern city of Sylhet late Thursday.

They had already reported the deaths of two Awami League activists since the campaign opened on November 8. The BNP says eight of its supporters have been killed in election clashes.

Sylhet police chief Shah Harunur Rashid told AFP that two BNP supporters had been arrested for the latest killing. The BNP denied any involvement.

Nineteen BNP activists were arrested when police and paramilitary guards raided the election camp of a party candidate and several villages in southern Bangladesh, police and BNP officials told AFP.

Police were also investigating a suspicious fire at the headquarters of the National Unity Front opposition alliance in Dhaka on Friday.&nbsp;

Thousands of Awami League supporters rallied in the capital as candidates made a last-minute pitch for votes.

The BNP, which says thousands of its activists have been locked up as part of a bid to rig the election, said it had been prevented from holding its final rally in Dhaka.

Hasina has shrugged off accusations of using authoritarian tactics, and concentrated her final campaign on urging Bangladesh's 104 million voters to give her a new term to boost the impoverished South Asian nation's economic development.&nbsp;

The economy has grown at an average of 6.3 percent every year since she won a landslide in December 2008. She has vowed to improve this.

"Much work is still pending and it depends on the people casting a vote for us. Then we will be able to return to power and complete the work," she said late Thursday.

International concern

The BNP accuses the prime minister of clamping down on democracy and freedom of speech -- including over the jailing of its leader Khaleda Zia this year on graft charges.

The party says that 9,222 workers and supporters were arrested during the election campaign and that half of its candidates were attacked by ruling party supporters.

Its Islamist ally, Jamaat-e-Islami, says more than 3,600 of its activists were also detained.

The opposition has depended on social media to lobby for votes, saying that harassment has confined many candidates to their homes.

But it stepped up its call for people to vote on Sunday. "On that day this country will be yours. You will take back its ownership," BNP deputy chief Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said in a video posted to Facebook.

The campaign troubles have put Bangladesh in the international spotlight.

US ambassador Earl Miller said "the United States is concerned by the high level of campaign violence over the last two weeks," following a meeting with Bangladesh's election chief late Thursday.

He added that while all parties have been victims, "it appears opposition party candidates have borne the brunt of most violence."

Miller said everyone in Bangladesh must be able to vote "without harassment, intimidation, or violence".

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also called for a vote "free of violence, intimidation and coercion," according to a spokesman.

Sheikh Hasina 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.

Since her last victory, civil society and rights groups have accused Hasina's government of silencing dissent and muzzling the press.

Zia, an arch-rival of the prime minister, was jailed for 17 years this year on graft charges that her party says are politically motivated.

Authorities suspended high-speed 3G and 4G internet services for several hours in an effort to fight what a telecoms watchdog official called the 'propaganda' fuelling unrest.

Bangladesh's general election campaign ended Friday with more deadly violence and arrests of opposition activists which have raised international concern as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina seeks a record fourth term. A ruling Awami League party supporter was killed by opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) followers, police said. The BNP claimed 19 more of its activists had been detained ahead of Sunday's vote. Authorities suspended high-speed 3G and 4G internet services for several hours in an effort to fight what a telecoms watchdog official called the "propaganda" fuelling unrest. The official campaign ended after seven weeks of widespread street clashes and accusations of an official crackdown on the opposition. An opinion poll indicated Hasina is favourite to win despite the controversy. Police said the Awami League supporter was beaten to death in the northeastern city of Sylhet late Thursday. They had already reported the deaths of two Awami League activists since the campaign opened on November 8. The BNP says eight of its supporters have been killed in election clashes. Sylhet police chief Shah Harunur Rashid told AFP that two BNP supporters had been arrested for the latest killing. The BNP denied any involvement. Nineteen BNP activists were arrested when police and paramilitary guards raided the election camp of a party candidate and several villages in southern Bangladesh, police and BNP officials told AFP. Police were also investigating a suspicious fire at the headquarters of the National Unity Front opposition alliance in Dhaka on Friday. Thousands of Awami League supporters rallied in the capital as candidates made a last-minute pitch for votes. The BNP, which says thousands of its activists have been locked up as part of a bid to rig the election, said it had been prevented from holding its final rally in Dhaka. Hasina has shrugged off accusations of using authoritarian tactics, and concentrated her final campaign on urging Bangladesh's 104 million voters to give her a new term to boost the impoverished South Asian nation's economic development. The economy has grown at an average of 6.3 percent every year since she won a landslide in December 2008. She has vowed to improve this. "Much work is still pending and it depends on the people casting a vote for us. Then we will be able to return to power and complete the work," she said late Thursday. International concern The BNP accuses the prime minister of clamping down on democracy and freedom of speech -- including over the jailing of its leader Khaleda Zia this year on graft charges. The party says that 9,222 workers and supporters were arrested during the election campaign and that half of its candidates were attacked by ruling party supporters. Its Islamist ally, Jamaat-e-Islami, says more than 3,600 of its activists were also detained. The opposition has depended on social media to lobby for votes, saying that harassment has confined many candidates to their homes. But it stepped up its call for people to vote on Sunday. "On that day this country will be yours. You will take back its ownership," BNP deputy chief Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said in a video posted to Facebook. The campaign troubles have put Bangladesh in the international spotlight. US ambassador Earl Miller said "the United States is concerned by the high level of campaign violence over the last two weeks," following a meeting with Bangladesh's election chief late Thursday. He added that while all parties have been victims, "it appears opposition party candidates have borne the brunt of most violence." Miller said everyone in Bangladesh must be able to vote "without harassment, intimidation, or violence". UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also called for a vote "free of violence, intimidation and coercion," according to a spokesman. Sheikh Hasina 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. Since her last victory, civil society and rights groups have accused Hasina's government of silencing dissent and muzzling the press. Zia, an arch-rival of the prime minister, was jailed for 17 years this year on graft charges that her party says are politically motivated.

More violence and arrests of opposition activists mar Bangaldesh election

Bangladesh is poised on the threshold of momentous elections. The contest is believed to be a close one. Sheikh Hasina has been in power for over a decade and though she continues to be popular she will have to contend with the anti-incumbency sentiment. She has relentlessly pursued the accomplices of her father’s murderers and those who collaborated with Pakistani Soldiers in 1971. Execution of some senior leaders in Opposition has triggered an interesting debate. 
 
Shouldn’t there be a closure to the tragic events that occurred half a century back? Should revenge give way to reconciliation?&nbsp;

Among the young who comprise the majority of the population in Bangladesh today, not many care about justice for the victims of 1971 and 1975. &nbsp; 
 
The issues that weigh heavy on their mind and agitate them are employment, healthcare, infrastructure and the state of law and order. There is also grave concern about creeping intolerance and brutal annihilation of dissenters and persecution of minorities.&nbsp;

While Begum Khaleda &nbsp;Zia has been accused of corruption, Hasina can't be absolved totally of incompetent management of the economy and administrative lapses. Her benign image hasn’t always coincided with actions. Minorities are 10 per cent of the country’s population. Of this 7-8 &nbsp;per cent are Hindus and the rest Christians, Buddhist and Animists. The Hindus feel that Hasina can protect their interests better as Khalida has fostered up her support by pandering to fundamentalist Islamic elements in the country. 
 
But Hasina’s handling of the Chakma Problem and the Rohingya refugees hasn’t inspired confidence in her capability to balance contending interests in a plural society. This is the reason that Khaleda’s supporters have been able to create a rift among the minority vote bank of Awami League. The Armed Forces claim to be apolitical, but a section remains strongly sympathetic towards Khaleda. An Army General’s widow - she is perceived as ‘one of our own.’

Ironically, neither Hasina nor Khaleda has made the least effort to prepare a second line of leadership or trained successors to take over. For both ladies, the hands of the clock are firmly stuck in past.&nbsp;

Khaleda Zia today realises the folly of boycotting the last elections that gave a walk over to Sheikh Hasina. She is desperate to forge a Mahagathbandhan of her own to oust her arch-rival from power.&nbsp;

It is for the people of Bangladesh to choose the Party and the leader whom they wish to rule over the land. India can't afford to be taking sides even slightly or remotely. But at the same time, it can't remain blind to machinations by inimical forces in its backyard. ISI, as well as Wahhabis financed by Saudi patrons, have long been active in Bangladesh.&nbsp;

This can only result in a vitiation of climate against friendship with India. China too lurks in the shadows with promises of economic aid and technical assistance. This too is part of that belligerent neighbour's strategy to encircle India. Whatever be the outcome these elections impinge on our strategic concerns. We must carefully weigh all options.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Bangladesh is poised on the threshold of momentous elections. The contest is believed to be a close one. Sheikh Hasina has been in power for over a decade and though she continues to be popular she will have to contend with the anti-incumbency sentiment.

Bangladesh is poised on the threshold of momentous elections. The contest is believed to be a close one. Sheikh Hasina has been in power for over a decade and though she continues to be popular she will have to contend with the anti-incumbency sentiment. She has relentlessly pursued the accomplices of her father’s murderers and those who collaborated with Pakistani Soldiers in 1971. Execution of some senior leaders in Opposition has triggered an interesting debate. Shouldn’t there be a closure to the tragic events that occurred half a century back? Should revenge give way to reconciliation? Among the young who comprise the majority of the population in Bangladesh today, not many care about justice for the victims of 1971 and 1975. The issues that weigh heavy on their mind and agitate them are employment, healthcare, infrastructure and the state of law and order. There is also grave concern about creeping intolerance and brutal annihilation of dissenters and persecution of minorities. While Begum Khaleda Zia has been accused of corruption, Hasina can't be absolved totally of incompetent management of the economy and administrative lapses. Her benign image hasn’t always coincided with actions. Minorities are 10 per cent of the country’s population. Of this 7-8 per cent are Hindus and the rest Christians, Buddhist and Animists. The Hindus feel that Hasina can protect their interests better as Khalida has fostered up her support by pandering to fundamentalist Islamic elements in the country. But Hasina’s handling of the Chakma Problem and the Rohingya refugees hasn’t inspired confidence in her capability to balance contending interests in a plural society. This is the reason that Khaleda’s supporters have been able to create a rift among the minority vote bank of Awami League. The Armed Forces claim to be apolitical, but a section remains strongly sympathetic towards Khaleda. An Army General’s widow - she is perceived as ‘one of our own.’ Ironically, neither Hasina nor Khaleda has made the least effort to prepare a second line of leadership or trained successors to take over. For both ladies, the hands of the clock are firmly stuck in past. Khaleda Zia today realises the folly of boycotting the last elections that gave a walk over to Sheikh Hasina. She is desperate to forge a Mahagathbandhan of her own to oust her arch-rival from power. It is for the people of Bangladesh to choose the Party and the leader whom they wish to rule over the land. India can't afford to be taking sides even slightly or remotely. But at the same time, it can't remain blind to machinations by inimical forces in its backyard. ISI, as well as Wahhabis financed by Saudi patrons, have long been active in Bangladesh. This can only result in a vitiation of climate against friendship with India. China too lurks in the shadows with promises of economic aid and technical assistance. This too is part of that belligerent neighbour's strategy to encircle India. Whatever be the outcome these elections impinge on our strategic concerns. We must carefully weigh all options. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why are Bangladesh elections important?

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

Days before <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-are-bangladesh-elections-important-186782">Bangladesh goes to general elections</a>, scheduled to be held on December 30, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the ISI was trying to sabotage the elections with the help of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders in the country.&nbsp;

“Why only blame Pakistan and ISI? If at all we have to blame, we should blame the BNP. BNP is taking bribe and money from the ISI to destroy the democratic structure of the country. There is no love for the country and it’s people. They do not want the country to make any progress,” Hasina told WION.&nbsp;

She further took a dig at the main opposition party in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), saying that the party leaders were charged with committing war crimes in 1971.&nbsp;

“In 1971, they were defeated in the country. They have been charged with war crimes and grenade attacks in the country. People rejected them and brought us to power. They killed our people and intellectuals. People of Bangladesh have not forgotten those days. They are extremely cautious about whom to vote and they are going to reject BNP,” added Hasina.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-bangladesh-election-results-will-impact-its-ties-with-india-186618">Bangladesh's 'battling begums' - India-Bangladesh ties under PM Sheikh Hasina, ex-PM Khaleda Zia</a>

BNP and other opposition parties had boycotted the earlier general elections held in 2014 and the ruling Awami League won with almost more than 150 seats being uncontested.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister affirmed that Bangladesh believes in zero tolerance for terrorism in the country. She even backed India’s policy on Pakistan of no dialogue and deliberations till it puts an end to cross-border terrorism. She indirectly hinted at Pakistan’s soil being misused by terror groups to promote terrorism on foreign land.&nbsp;

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“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;

Days before Bangladesh goes to general elections, scheduled to be held on December 30, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the ISI was trying to sabotage the elections with the help of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders in the country.

Days before Bangladesh goes to general elections, scheduled to be held on December 30, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the ISI was trying to sabotage the elections with the help of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders in the country. “Why only blame Pakistan and ISI? If at all we have to blame, we should blame the BNP. BNP is taking bribe and money from the ISI to destroy the democratic structure of the country. There is no love for the country and it’s people. They do not want the country to make any progress,” Hasina told WION. She further took a dig at the main opposition party in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), saying that the party leaders were charged with committing war crimes in 1971. “In 1971, they were defeated in the country. They have been charged with war crimes and grenade attacks in the country. People rejected them and brought us to power. They killed our people and intellectuals. People of Bangladesh have not forgotten those days. They are extremely cautious about whom to vote and they are going to reject BNP,” added Hasina. Also read: Bangladesh's 'battling begums' - India-Bangladesh ties under PM Sheikh Hasina, ex-PM Khaleda Zia BNP and other opposition parties had boycotted the earlier general elections held in 2014 and the ruling Awami League won with almost more than 150 seats being uncontested. The Prime Minister affirmed that Bangladesh believes in zero tolerance for terrorism in the country. She even backed India’s policy on Pakistan of no dialogue and deliberations till it puts an end to cross-border terrorism. She indirectly hinted 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.

Pakistan and ISI trying to sabotage elections with BNP help: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to WION

Bangladesh police have arrested more than 10,500 opposition activists in a crackdown ahead of elections this week, opposition parties said Tuesday.

The figures were released after the United States urged <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/disappointed-with-bangladesh-over-inability-to-provide-visas-to-poll-monitoring-team-us-186238">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's</a> government to do more to ensure free polls on Sunday when she is aiming to win a record fourth term.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/silent-opposition-counts-on-viral-votes-in-bangladesh-election-186318">Opposition parties</a> said the arrests since the election was called on November 8 were intended to create a "climate of fear".

The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), whose leader Khaleda Zia is serving a 17-year jail term, said 7,021 of its activists had been detained.

Its Islamist ally, Jamaat-e-Islami, said more than 3,500 followers were in custody. Jamaat-e-Islami is banned from contesting elections but has candidates taking part as individuals with the BNP.

"Every day 80 to 90 of our activists have been arrested nationwide. These arrests have created a climate of fear," Jamaat secretary general Shafiqur Rahman told AFP.

Police spokesman Sohel Rana did not confirm any figure for arrests but said they did not make "unnecessary arrests" without warrants.

"We never target any individual unless they break the law. These people have specific warrants against them," he told AFP.

Candidate attacks&nbsp;

Rizvi Ahmed, a BNP spokesman, said the charges laid against party activists were "fictitious" and "ghost" cases" aiming for "a lopsided election" in favour of 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.

The BNP and its allies have also accused police and ruling Awami League party activists of attacking their activists and candidates.

The BNP had hoped the deployment of 30,000 troops on Monday would improve security across the Muslim-majority majority country of 165 million.

"The Awami League activists along with the law enforcing agencies attacked our candidates at 28 constituencies (in the last 24 hours). Nineteen of our candidates and over 100 activists were injured in the attack,” Ahmed told a press briefing.

He said that since the election campaign started at least 152 BNP candidates were attacked and hundreds of activists were injured in clashes.

Police spokesman Rana denied police had attacked any opposition activists, acknowledging only that "isolated incidents" were possible.

"If we receive any clear and evident allegation against any police member, we will surely take stern action," Rana said.

Hasina won the 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.

The US State Department also raised concerns about Sunday's vote after it cancelled a planned observer mission by the Asian Network for Free Elections, which is funded by the US government because Bangladesh held up visas and credentials.

State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said democratic elections 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."

"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 added in a statement.

Bangladesh police have arrested more than 10,500 opposition activists in a crackdown ahead of elections this week, opposition parties said Tuesday. The figures were released after the United States urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government to do more to ensure free polls on Sunday when she is aiming to win a record fourth term.

Bangladesh police have arrested more than 10,500 opposition activists in a crackdown ahead of elections this week, opposition parties said Tuesday. The figures were released after the United States urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government to do more to ensure free polls on Sunday when she is aiming to win a record fourth term. Opposition parties said the arrests since the election was called on November 8 were intended to create a "climate of fear". The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), whose leader Khaleda Zia is serving a 17-year jail term, said 7,021 of its activists had been detained. Its Islamist ally, Jamaat-e-Islami, said more than 3,500 followers were in custody. Jamaat-e-Islami is banned from contesting elections but has candidates taking part as individuals with the BNP. "Every day 80 to 90 of our activists have been arrested nationwide. These arrests have created a climate of fear," Jamaat secretary general Shafiqur Rahman told AFP. Police spokesman Sohel Rana did not confirm any figure for arrests but said they did not make "unnecessary arrests" without warrants. "We never target any individual unless they break the law. These people have specific warrants against them," he told AFP. Candidate attacks Rizvi Ahmed, a BNP spokesman, said the charges laid against party activists were "fictitious" and "ghost" cases" aiming for "a lopsided election" in favour of 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. The BNP and its allies have also accused police and ruling Awami League party activists of attacking their activists and candidates. The BNP had hoped the deployment of 30,000 troops on Monday would improve security across the Muslim-majority majority country of 165 million. "The Awami League activists along with the law enforcing agencies attacked our candidates at 28 constituencies (in the last 24 hours). Nineteen of our candidates and over 100 activists were injured in the attack,” Ahmed told a press briefing. He said that since the election campaign started at least 152 BNP candidates were attacked and hundreds of activists were injured in clashes. Police spokesman Rana denied police had attacked any opposition activists, acknowledging only that "isolated incidents" were possible. "If we receive any clear and evident allegation against any police member, we will surely take stern action," Rana said. Hasina won the 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. The US State Department also raised concerns about Sunday's vote after it cancelled a planned observer mission by the Asian Network for Free Elections, which is funded by the US government because Bangladesh held up visas and credentials. State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said democratic elections 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." "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 added in a statement.

Over 10,500 opposition activists arrested ahead of Bangladesh polls

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

Shut out by mainstream media and too scared to hustle on the streets, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/bangladesh">Bangladesh</a>'s main opposition party has been reduced to social media lobbying for votes in this week's national elections.

Two weeks into the campaign, <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 addressed hundreds of thousands of people in rallies across the country as she seeks a record fourth term.

Public gatherings by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are tiny by comparison.&nbsp;

Its leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/khaleda-zia-bangladeshs-fighter-begum-and-former-premier-marred-by-controversies-185022">Khaleda Zia</a> is serving a 17-year jail term for a graft conviction, which the party says is a politically motivated attempt to sideline Hasina's chief rival.&nbsp;

The BNP says many of its candidates have been too scared to campaign in public and fear violent intimidation by ruling party followers or arrest by authorities.

More than 150 of its candidates have been attacked, 15 arrested and thousands of party activists injured in clashes with rivals from the ruling Awami League, according to the BNP.

At least six supporters from both parties have been killed in election clashes.

Fearing bloodshed, the BNP has instead turned to Facebook to canvass support from Bangladesh's 100 million voters ahead of Sunday's election.

An online plea by BNP secretary general Fakhrul Islam Alamgir to the nation's younger voters went viral in recent days.

The three-minute video was released on Friday night and was shared tens of thousands of times over the weekend.

The Awami League wants to "create an environment of fear so that you lose interest in voting on the morning of December 30," he says in the post.&nbsp;

"You can prevent vote robbery. Democracy must be saved."

Poetic plea&nbsp;

A recording of a poem recited by young voters urging them to condemn a violent government crackdown on student protests earlier this year also spread like wildfire online.

Pro-Awami League groups have responded by flooding Facebook with videos of Bangladeshi celebrities, each lauding the country's solid economic growth since Hasina's second stint in office began in 2009.

State-run media and many private television stations do not run opposition adverts for fear of government reprisals, said BNP spokesman Sayrul Kabir Khan.&nbsp;

While Awami League campaign ads are ubiquitous on television, "the only medium where we can post our video is Facebook," Khan said.&nbsp;

Authorities last week blocked the BNP website, claiming it contained "indecent" and "obscene" material&nbsp;a move that prompted outrage and accusations of censorship from the opposition. The party's Facebook page was also down for several days.

At the same time, the government has run its own online influence campaign in a bid to shore up votes ahead of the Sunday poll.

Facebook last week said it had suspended nine pages and six accounts linked to "individuals associated with the Bangladesh government" which posted anti-opposition content while masquerading as independent news sources.

Civil society and rights groups have accused the government of silencing dissent and the press with an onerous digital-security law.

Motiur Rahman Chowdhury, the editor of the Bangladeshi tabloid Manabzamin, said Facebook was the last refuge for voices critical of the Awami League's increasing slide towards authoritarianism.

"The opposition is too afraid to campaign freely. The media has been cornered as well. This is the reality," he said.

Shut out by mainstream media and too scared to hustle on the streets, Bangladesh's main opposition party has been reduced to social media lobbying for votes in this week's national elections.

Shut out by mainstream media and too scared to hustle on the streets, Bangladesh's main opposition party has been reduced to social media lobbying for votes in this week's national elections. Two weeks into the campaign, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has addressed hundreds of thousands of people in rallies across the country as she seeks a record fourth term. Public gatherings by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are tiny by comparison. Its leader Khaleda Zia is serving a 17-year jail term for a graft conviction, which the party says is a politically motivated attempt to sideline Hasina's chief rival. The BNP says many of its candidates have been too scared to campaign in public and fear violent intimidation by ruling party followers or arrest by authorities. More than 150 of its candidates have been attacked, 15 arrested and thousands of party activists injured in clashes with rivals from the ruling Awami League, according to the BNP. At least six supporters from both parties have been killed in election clashes. Fearing bloodshed, the BNP has instead turned to Facebook to canvass support from Bangladesh's 100 million voters ahead of Sunday's election. An online plea by BNP secretary general Fakhrul Islam Alamgir to the nation's younger voters went viral in recent days. The three-minute video was released on Friday night and was shared tens of thousands of times over the weekend. The Awami League wants to "create an environment of fear so that you lose interest in voting on the morning of December 30," he says in the post. "You can prevent vote robbery. Democracy must be saved." Poetic plea A recording of a poem recited by young voters urging them to condemn a violent government crackdown on student protests earlier this year also spread like wildfire online. Pro-Awami League groups have responded by flooding Facebook with videos of Bangladeshi celebrities, each lauding the country's solid economic growth since Hasina's second stint in office began in 2009. State-run media and many private television stations do not run opposition adverts for fear of government reprisals, said BNP spokesman Sayrul Kabir Khan. While Awami League campaign ads are ubiquitous on television, "the only medium where we can post our video is Facebook," Khan said. Authorities last week blocked the BNP website, claiming it contained "indecent" and "obscene" material a move that prompted outrage and accusations of censorship from the opposition. The party's Facebook page was also down for several days. At the same time, the government has run its own online influence campaign in a bid to shore up votes ahead of the Sunday poll. Facebook last week said it had suspended nine pages and six accounts linked to "individuals associated with the Bangladesh government" which posted anti-opposition content while masquerading as independent news sources. Civil society and rights groups have accused the government of silencing dissent and the press with an onerous digital-security law. Motiur Rahman Chowdhury, the editor of the Bangladeshi tabloid Manabzamin, said Facebook was the last refuge for voices critical of the Awami League's increasing slide towards authoritarianism. "The opposition is too afraid to campaign freely. The media has been cornered as well. This is the reality," he said.

Silent opposition counts on viral votes in Bangladesh election

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

<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'

In a little over a week, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/bangladesh">Bangladesh</a> will go to polls to elect a new parliament.

Pitted against the Sheikh Hasina-led ruling <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-ruling-awami-party-promises-growth-in-bid-for-third-term-in-election-manifesto-185295">Awami League</a> (AL) and its various allies are the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) which had boycotted the last parliamentary elections but has cobbled a rainbow coalition under the banner of Jatiya Okiya Jote.

Old distinctions of pro-liberation and anti-liberation forces have been blurred with fresh alliances formed that defy understanding.

The AL, which positions itself as the pro-liberation secular force, has allied with the obscurantist Hefajat-e-Islam and other Islamic parties. It has a limited electoral understanding with former president Ershad`s Jatiyo Party.

Also in the AL camp is Bikalpdhara Bangladesh of Badrudozza Chaudhari, who was elected as the country`s President in 2001 by the BNP but was tossed out later. The BNP, long regarded as a platform for remnants of the pre-partition Muslim League, anti-AL and anti-India elements from extreme left to extreme right, has taken on board not only nominees of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami but also stalwarts of the Liberation War- octogenarian Dr Komal Hossain as well as Tiger Kader Siddiqui of the Mukti Bahini.

While Sheikh Hasina`s extended family of cousins and nephews is in the fray, it is the first time that none from the Zia family is in the contest. Convicted in a corruption case and barred from contesting elections, Begum Zia has been in prison since February this year. Her son and heir apparent Tarique Rahman, also convicted in many cases, is in exile in England.

Background of the 600 candidates, nominated by the two main contending groupings, is revealing of the character of Bangladesh`s public representatives.

In declarations filed with the Election Commission, only 22 have described themselves as full-time politicians. Seven more as businessmen-cum-politicians and 329 as simply businessmen. Of these 153, including Salman Rahman- the Mukesh Ambani of Bangladesh, have been nominated by the AL bloc, and 176 by the rival camp.

Almost all are based out of Dhaka. This shows how far the two main political parties have moved from their common worker.

Elections are being held in the background of unprecedented pressure on the opposition parties and denial of legitimate democratic space for dissent.

Nomination papers of almost 300 BNP nominees were rejected during scrutiny by the Election Commission, 15 candidates have been arrested and over 30 attacked.

Opposition candidates are being prevented from campaigning, their workers are being harassed and party offices set on fire. Nearly 21,000 workers of the opposition parties have been arrested.

The Human Rights Watch has come out with a stinging report on the muzzling of the press and the blatantly partisan manner in which the State is conducting these elections. Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukdar has conceded there is no level playing field.

Violence is endemic to elections in Bangladesh. A study carried out reveals an average of 88 persons were killed and 3375 injured in the past parliamentary elections. The figure peaked in 2001 elections that saw 248 getting killed and 11074 injured.

The Hindu minority community bears the brunt of attacks mostly at the hands of BNP and Jamaat cadres. They are looking at the coming elections with trepidation.

The AL record in governance in the last ten years is not unimpressive in terms of macro-level economic and social indicators. It faces anti-incumbency on the count of intolerant arrogance, corruption and patronising criminal elements. Yet it is expected to win largely on the count of its control over the administrative machinery, which it has unhesitatingly used in a partisan manner.

The BNP organisation is dispirited and in disarray. Jamaat is banned and its main leaders hanged or jailed for crimes committed in 1971. Nevertheless electoral arithmetic favours the BNP Jote and it is banking on that. It hopes it will win the elections if voters overcome fear and come out and vote freely.

The voter is in a dilemma. He wants to punish the AL but is frightened of the alternative. Stalwarts of the BNP do not wish to see Tarique Rahman again. The Army, which is accused of literally breaking his back, does not want him to return.

Despite its protests, New Delhi does not seem convinced that the BNP has severed its Pakistan connection. Hence, the Indo- Bangladesh relations that have been assiduously strengthened over the last decade may suffer in the event of BNP coming to power. Even China, seen as a growing challenge to India in its neighbourhood owing to its increasing economic stakes in the country, is said to prefer continuity.

New Delhi must be watching all this closely. Relations with Bangladesh have never been better than in the last ten years. Dhaka`s cooperation has helped in controlling insurgents in the North-East. Dividends of economic collaboration with India is an accepted fact cutting across the Bangladeshi political spectrum.

Yet the anti-India feeling is high largely because of various factors, like the BJP government`s initial stand on the Rohingya refugee influx, a perception that it is anti-Muslim, the NRC issue in Assam, statements of deportation of Bangladeshi illegals and the belief that India condones whatever Sheikh Hasina does.

Lampooning anyone, who opposes AL as pro-Pakistan, too has not helped. This has alienated influential sections of the media including the Daily Star and Prothom Alo, most widely-read English and Bangla dailies. Incidentally, both are edited by freedom fighters and staunchly secular individuals.

Going by the manner in which the elections are being conducted, the outcome may not be acceptable to the losing side. If it loses, AL with its street power will not allow any other government to function. If it retains power it would need to be more tolerant of dissent and realise that denying legitimate democratic space will only drive its opponents underground and lead to a violent reaction. This is a prospect New Delhi will have to be mindful of.&nbsp;

In a little over a week, Bangladesh will go to polls to elect a new parliament. Pitted against the Sheikh Hasina-led ruling Awami League (AL) and its various allies are the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) which had boycotted the last parliamentary elections but has cobbled a rainbow coalition under the banner of Jatiya Okiya Jote.

In a little over a week, Bangladesh will go to polls to elect a new parliament. Pitted against the Sheikh Hasina-led ruling Awami League (AL) and its various allies are the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) which had boycotted the last parliamentary elections but has cobbled a rainbow coalition under the banner of Jatiya Okiya Jote. Old distinctions of pro-liberation and anti-liberation forces have been blurred with fresh alliances formed that defy understanding. The AL, which positions itself as the pro-liberation secular force, has allied with the obscurantist Hefajat-e-Islam and other Islamic parties. It has a limited electoral understanding with former president Ershad`s Jatiyo Party. Also in the AL camp is Bikalpdhara Bangladesh of Badrudozza Chaudhari, who was elected as the country`s President in 2001 by the BNP but was tossed out later. The BNP, long regarded as a platform for remnants of the pre-partition Muslim League, anti-AL and anti-India elements from extreme left to extreme right, has taken on board not only nominees of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami but also stalwarts of the Liberation War- octogenarian Dr Komal Hossain as well as Tiger Kader Siddiqui of the Mukti Bahini. While Sheikh Hasina`s extended family of cousins and nephews is in the fray, it is the first time that none from the Zia family is in the contest. Convicted in a corruption case and barred from contesting elections, Begum Zia has been in prison since February this year. Her son and heir apparent Tarique Rahman, also convicted in many cases, is in exile in England. Background of the 600 candidates, nominated by the two main contending groupings, is revealing of the character of Bangladesh`s public representatives. In declarations filed with the Election Commission, only 22 have described themselves as full-time politicians. Seven more as businessmen-cum-politicians and 329 as simply businessmen. Of these 153, including Salman Rahman- the Mukesh Ambani of Bangladesh, have been nominated by the AL bloc, and 176 by the rival camp. Almost all are based out of Dhaka. This shows how far the two main political parties have moved from their common worker. Elections are being held in the background of unprecedented pressure on the opposition parties and denial of legitimate democratic space for dissent. Nomination papers of almost 300 BNP nominees were rejected during scrutiny by the Election Commission, 15 candidates have been arrested and over 30 attacked. Opposition candidates are being prevented from campaigning, their workers are being harassed and party offices set on fire. Nearly 21,000 workers of the opposition parties have been arrested. The Human Rights Watch has come out with a stinging report on the muzzling of the press and the blatantly partisan manner in which the State is conducting these elections. Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukdar has conceded there is no level playing field. Violence is endemic to elections in Bangladesh. A study carried out reveals an average of 88 persons were killed and 3375 injured in the past parliamentary elections. The figure peaked in 2001 elections that saw 248 getting killed and 11074 injured. The Hindu minority community bears the brunt of attacks mostly at the hands of BNP and Jamaat cadres. They are looking at the coming elections with trepidation. The AL record in governance in the last ten years is not unimpressive in terms of macro-level economic and social indicators. It faces anti-incumbency on the count of intolerant arrogance, corruption and patronising criminal elements. Yet it is expected to win largely on the count of its control over the administrative machinery, which it has unhesitatingly used in a partisan manner. The BNP organisation is dispirited and in disarray. Jamaat is banned and its main leaders hanged or jailed for crimes committed in 1971. Nevertheless electoral arithmetic favours the BNP Jote and it is banking on that. It hopes it will win the elections if voters overcome fear and come out and vote freely. The voter is in a dilemma. He wants to punish the AL but is frightened of the alternative. Stalwarts of the BNP do not wish to see Tarique Rahman again. The Army, which is accused of literally breaking his back, does not want him to return. Despite its protests, New Delhi does not seem convinced that the BNP has severed its Pakistan connection. Hence, the Indo- Bangladesh relations that have been assiduously strengthened over the last decade may suffer in the event of BNP coming to power. Even China, seen as a growing challenge to India in its neighbourhood owing to its increasing economic stakes in the country, is said to prefer continuity. New Delhi must be watching all this closely. Relations with Bangladesh have never been better than in the last ten years. Dhaka`s cooperation has helped in controlling insurgents in the North-East. Dividends of economic collaboration with India is an accepted fact cutting across the Bangladeshi political spectrum. Yet the anti-India feeling is high largely because of various factors, like the BJP government`s initial stand on the Rohingya refugee influx, a perception that it is anti-Muslim, the NRC issue in Assam, statements of deportation of Bangladeshi illegals and the belief that India condones whatever Sheikh Hasina does. Lampooning anyone, who opposes AL as pro-Pakistan, too has not helped. This has alienated influential sections of the media including the Daily Star and Prothom Alo, most widely-read English and Bangla dailies. Incidentally, both are edited by freedom fighters and staunchly secular individuals. Going by the manner in which the elections are being conducted, the outcome may not be acceptable to the losing side. If it loses, AL with its street power will not allow any other government to function. If it retains power it would need to be more tolerant of dissent and realise that denying legitimate democratic space will only drive its opponents underground and lead to a violent reaction. This is a prospect New Delhi will have to be mindful of.

Bangladesh elections: A rocky road ahead for all parties

Facebook and Twitter said on Thursday, they had removed accounts and fake news pages linked to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/bangladesh">Bangladesh</a> government which had posted anti-opposition content, days ahead of an election in the South Asian nation.&nbsp;

Facebook, Bangladesh's most popular social network with an estimated 30 million users, said it had removed nine fake news pages "linked to individuals associated with the Bangladesh government" which mimicked those of independent news outlets.

It also took down six accounts as they, along with the pages, were found "engaging in coordinated inauthentic behaviour." One of the accounts had 11,900 followers.&nbsp;

Spokesmen for the Bangladesh government including for the home and information ministers did not respond to calls seeking comment late on Thursday.&nbsp;

"This kind of behaviour is not allowed on Facebook under our misrepresentation policy because we don`t want people or organisations creating networks of accounts to mislead others about who they are, or what they`re doing," Facebook`s Head of Cybersecurity Policy Nathaniel Gleicher said in a statement.&nbsp;

Twitter said it had identified and suspended 15 accounts originating from Bangladesh for "engaging in coordinated platform manipulation."

"Based on our initial analysis, it appears that some of these accounts may have ties to state-sponsored actors," it added. The accounts had fewer than 50 followers, it said.&nbsp;

Facebook and other tech giants are under pressure to increase efforts to remove misleading or illegal content and ensure fake news is not uploaded and disseminated. Although Facebook has stepped up fact-checking, it still faces criticism that it is too slow to close rogue accounts.&nbsp;

Mufti Mahmud Khan, a spokesman for Bangladesh`s elite security force Rapid Action Battalion that has been tasked by the government with monitoring online content in the run-up to the December 30 polls, did not comment on the Facebook statement.&nbsp;

He said his team had arrested 30 people in recent weeks, some linked to the opposition, who posted "anti-government propaganda" by making clones of popular news websites.

Facebook`s move comes as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina`s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-ruling-awami-party-promises-growth-in-bid-for-third-term-in-election-manifesto-185295">Awami League is seeking to win a third term</a> in power amid accusations of carrying out attacks on opposition party candidates.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladeshi-opposition-pledges-to-remove-media-curbs-raise-pay-freeze-energy-prices-184897">opposition National Unity Front alliance</a> said on Wednesday that 14 of its candidates had been arrested and 1,500 injured in attacks this month by ruling party workers.&nbsp;

The Awami League has denied the allegations and accused the opposition of trying to disrupt a peaceful election environment. Hasina said on Wednesday her party wouldn`t use "unfair means" to win.

Under Hasina`s decade-long rule several people have been arrested for putting up Facebook posts critical of the government, including a prominent photographer released last month after over 100 days in prison.

Her government has taken steps to improve Bangladesh`s digital infrastructure, including making the internet more affordable, but it has kept tight control.

During mass student protests this August, the police`s cybercrime unit said it had scoured Facebook posts to crack down on what it called "fake news" being spread to provoke protests.

Facebook and Twitter said on Thursday, they had removed accounts and fake news pages linked to the Bangladesh government which had posted anti-opposition content, days ahead of an election in the South Asian nation.

Facebook and Twitter said on Thursday, they had removed accounts and fake news pages linked to the Bangladesh government which had posted anti-opposition content, days ahead of an election in the South Asian nation. Facebook, Bangladesh's most popular social network with an estimated 30 million users, said it had removed nine fake news pages "linked to individuals associated with the Bangladesh government" which mimicked those of independent news outlets. It also took down six accounts as they, along with the pages, were found "engaging in coordinated inauthentic behaviour." One of the accounts had 11,900 followers. Spokesmen for the Bangladesh government including for the home and information ministers did not respond to calls seeking comment late on Thursday. "This kind of behaviour is not allowed on Facebook under our misrepresentation policy because we don`t want people or organisations creating networks of accounts to mislead others about who they are, or what they`re doing," Facebook`s Head of Cybersecurity Policy Nathaniel Gleicher said in a statement. Twitter said it had identified and suspended 15 accounts originating from Bangladesh for "engaging in coordinated platform manipulation." "Based on our initial analysis, it appears that some of these accounts may have ties to state-sponsored actors," it added. The accounts had fewer than 50 followers, it said. Facebook and other tech giants are under pressure to increase efforts to remove misleading or illegal content and ensure fake news is not uploaded and disseminated. Although Facebook has stepped up fact-checking, it still faces criticism that it is too slow to close rogue accounts. Mufti Mahmud Khan, a spokesman for Bangladesh`s elite security force Rapid Action Battalion that has been tasked by the government with monitoring online content in the run-up to the December 30 polls, did not comment on the Facebook statement. He said his team had arrested 30 people in recent weeks, some linked to the opposition, who posted "anti-government propaganda" by making clones of popular news websites. Facebook`s move comes as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina`s Awami League is seeking to win a third term in power amid accusations of carrying out attacks on opposition party candidates. The opposition National Unity Front alliance said on Wednesday that 14 of its candidates had been arrested and 1,500 injured in attacks this month by ruling party workers. The Awami League has denied the allegations and accused the opposition of trying to disrupt a peaceful election environment. Hasina said on Wednesday her party wouldn`t use "unfair means" to win. Under Hasina`s decade-long rule several people have been arrested for putting up Facebook posts critical of the government, including a prominent photographer released last month after over 100 days in prison. Her government has taken steps to improve Bangladesh`s digital infrastructure, including making the internet more affordable, but it has kept tight control. During mass student protests this August, the police`s cybercrime unit said it had scoured Facebook posts to crack down on what it called "fake news" being spread to provoke protests.

Bangladesh: Facebook and Twitter remove pages, accounts ahead of election

<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 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

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