(UTV|COLOMBO) – Thousands of army soldiers are being deployed across Bangladesh to provide security and help conduct national elections next Sunday. The deployment began early Monday and the soldiers will be on duty until Jan. 2, the military’s public relations office said.
The soldiers are setting up camps in 389 areas and navy personnel are fanning out across the coast, according to the statement. The air force is keeping helicopters ready for any urgent needs, and the soldiers will maintain order on important roads or highways whenever needed.
Earlier this month, authorities deployed paramilitary border forces in 87 bordering areas. While such deployment is common ahead of national elections in Bangladesh, the opposition has been strongly demanding the military’s engagement in the election process amid concern that violence could happen. The soldiers usually work as a striking force. At least six people have died in recent weeks while hundreds have been injured.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is seeking to return to power for a third consecutive time in the Dec. 30 elections, which the opposition has alleged could be rigged. Authorities have pledged free and fair voting. Kamal Hossain, who leads a major opposition alliance, welcomed the deployment, saying it would boost voters’ confidence. Hossain has emerged as a strong challenger to Hasina since the country’s main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party _ led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia _ joined his opposition alliance front. Hossain is a prominent lawyer who has become the prime leader as Zia is serving prison terms for corruption.
Courtesy : AP
