A huge voter turnout of over 80 per cent on Monday marked Bangladesh's first general election in seven years, with Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia appeared locked in a close race to reclaim power. Amid unprecedented security, Bangladeshis gave an overwhelming response to the landmark election, which was largely peaceful, paving the way for the impoverished country's return to democracy following two years of emergency rule.
Bangladesh's 'battling begums' are on a hectic last minute campaign trail, which will end at midnight on Saturday, as the country's goes for its first general elections in seven years on December 29. The elections are being held under unprecedented security measures with nearly 48,000 troops and more than 600,000 policemen deployed to guard the polling booths.
Bangladesh on Friday moved two warships to confront an alleged 'intrusion' by three Indian vessels, for hydrocarbon exploration in its territorial waters, in the resource-rich Bay of Bengal.The move came after the Bangladesh Navy protested the incident and the government ordered a probe, following which 'appropriate' action will be taken.A news agency, quoting Foreign Ministry officials, said that 1 survey vessel backed by two Navy ships intruded for hydrocarbon exploration
Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League-backed candidates on Tuesday overwhelmingly won the mayoral elections as Bangladesh witnessed its first polls under emergency rules ahead of the scheduled general elections set for December this year.