Bangladesh deploys 600,000 security forces before election
- Opposition says about 14,000 of its activists have been detained since November 8 and around 12,000 injured in attacks by ruling party followers
Bangladesh stepped up security on Saturday in a bid to contain violence during a general election expected to see Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina win a record fourth term.
Authorities have deployed around 600,000 police, army and other security forces ahead of Sunday’s vote, a senior official said, following a deadly campaign marred by clashes.
The forces – which also include the elite Rapid Action Battalion, navy, border and coastguards and auxiliary police units – are providing security to some 40,000 election booths.
“We have ensured the highest level of security in Bangladesh as per the capacity of the country,” Rafiqul Islam of the election commission said. “We hope there will be a peaceful atmosphere.”
Clashes have gripped the Muslim majority country of 165 million in the run-up to the polls.