NewKerala.com

Bangladesh Election Campaign Begins Jan 22 Amid Heightened Security

Bangladesh's official election campaign period is scheduled to commence on January 22 ahead of the general elections and referendum set for February 12. The interim government has significantly tightened security nationwide, deploying the army and placing police on special alert, especially in border areas. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has firmly committed to the election date, dismissing fake news and confusion, and promises a free and fair transfer of power. Concurrently, the government has suspended its visa-on-arrival facility for all eligible countries from January 15 to February 15 as a precautionary measure.

Key Points: Bangladesh Election Campaign Starts Jan 22, Security Tightened

  • Election campaign starts January 22
  • Security intensified with army checkpoints
  • On-arrival visas suspended for a month
  • Interim government commits to Feb 12 election date
  • Measures aim to ensure free, fair, and peaceful polls
2 min read

Bangladesh voting campaign to start on January 22

Bangladesh's election campaign begins Jan 22 for Feb 12 polls. Security is heightened, visas suspended, and the interim government vows a free and fair vote.

"No matter who says what, elections will be held on February 12--not a day before, not a day after. - Muhammad Yunus"

Dhaka, January 14

In Bangladesh, the upcoming parliamentary general election and public voting campaign is set to start on January 22, an official statement said.

Before this campaign begins, security measures have been intensified across Bangladesh, and the army has set up security checkpoints in various locations.

Additionally, the police are on special alert, heightened security measures have been implemented in border areas, and on-arrival visas to Bangladesh have been suspended.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh Interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed his government's commitment to hold the general elections and the referendum as scheduled on February 12, a statement said on Wednesday.

The Chief Adviser made the remarks when two former senior United States diplomats--Albert Gombis and Morse Tan, both of whom served during the Donald Trump administration--called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on late Tuesday night.

Yunus said there had been a flood of fake news and deliberately spread confusion surrounding the elections, but stressed that the Interim Government remained firm in its commitment to hold the polls on February 12 and to hand over power to a democratically elected government once the results are announced.

"No matter who says what, elections will be held on February 12--not a day before, not a day after," the Chief Adviser said, adding that the vote would be free, fair and peaceful, and held in a festive atmosphere.

Bangladesh suspended Visa on Arrival (VoA) from January 15 to February 15 ahead of general elections and referendum.

Citizens of neighboring countries like Bhutan and Nepal used to receive on-arrival visa facilities from Bangladesh. However, the decision to suspend that arrangement has now been officially communicated to those countries' governments.

A senior official of the Bangladesh government has stated that from January 15 to February 15, Bangladesh will suspend the issuance of on-arrival visas for one month. This applies to all countries that normally receive on-arrival visa facilities from Bangladesh.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The mention of "fake news and deliberately spread confusion" is concerning. We see similar tactics here during our own elections. It's crucial for the public to get accurate information. Hope the media there acts responsibly.
A
Aman W
Suspending visas for a month seems a bit extreme, no? I understand security, but it will disrupt travel and business for many, especially from neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan. Couldn't they have stricter checks instead of a complete halt?
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see former US diplomats involved. Shows the international community is watching. The Chief Adviser's firm commitment to the date is reassuring. Stability in Bangladesh is important for the entire region's economy.
V
Vikram M
"Festive atmosphere" for elections is a nice goal. We should aim for that too instead of the usual tension. Deploying the army for security is standard procedure, hope it goes smoothly for the common people there.
K
Kavya N
My cousin was planning a business trip to Dhaka next week. Now he has to reschedule everything because of the visa suspension. While security is paramount, a little more advance notice would have been helpful for ordinary folks.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50