Arson, violence: Bangladesh tense ahead of voting

Bangladesh is all set to go to the polls on Sunday and it is testing times for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is expected to win a fourth straight term in the absence of opposition BNP.

Tight security arrangements are in place ahead of the polls. Strict warning has been issued by the election commission as the nation gears for voting.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said that if there are any irregularities in the upcoming national polls, the election will be called off altogether.

He added that vote rigging, ballot snatching, money transactions, and possible use of muscle power in favour of any candidate or candidates will be strictly resisted.

Bangladesh has a 300-member Parliament. Election in one constituency has been postponed after an independent candidate died of natural causes.

The results are expected to start flowing from early on January 8.

The opposition, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), of former premier Khaleda Zia, 78, who is under house arrest as a convict of graft charges, boycotted the polls.

Among the 27 political parties that are contesting the elections include the opposition Jatiya Party (JAPA) and members of the ruling Awami League-led coalition.