Dhaka, January 12
The Bangladeshi authorities withdrew curfew and restrictions on news bulletins by private television a day after President Iajuddin Ahmed declared a state of emergency to quell political violence triggered over the general elections.
The Election Commission postponed the elections slated for January 22 without giving any indication when the poll would be held.
According to the Bangladeshi constitution, general elections must be held within 90 days since the dissolution of last parliament. The deadline of 90 days will expire on January 25.
“No news, brother,” acting
Chief Election Commissioner Justice Mahfuzur Rahman told reporters while returning home this afternoon.
Under the emergency laws all political activities have been banned but the civic life
appeared normal.
The grand alliance, led by Awami League president Sheikh Hasina, who decided to boycott the January 22 poll, has withdrawn its planned transport blockade and general strikes, which were scheduled to be enforced from January 14.
Hasina’s alliance withdrew from the election accusing President Iajuddin and the Election Commission of being biased in favour of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s four-party alliance.
— UNI
