Ahead of polls, Bangladesh premier warns against moves that may disrupt constitutional process

By SM Najmus Sakib

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) - Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday called on political parties not to get involved in any moves that may disrupt the constitutional process, ahead of general elections scheduled for Jan. 7.

“Political parties and institutions believe in democracy and the rule of law do not indulge and encourage any idiosyncratic ideas that disrupt the constitutional process,” she said in a televised address to the nation, and expressed hope that a “free, fair and impartial election” will be held in the country.

Bangladesh is all set to hold the 12th parliamentary election on Jan. 7 amid a boycott call from opposition parties led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

On Wednesday, BNP and its allies announced a 48-hour strike including on the voting day.

Meanwhile, two supporters of the ruling Awami League party died in Dhaka medical hospital on Thursday after being critically injured in separate incidents of violence on Wednesday, according to police.

The opposition parties have been on the streets demanding a neutral caretaker government which was rejected by the government.

Since political unrest erupted in late October, at least 27 supporters of the opposition have been killed, as well as a journalist and a policeman. More than 24,800 BNP supporters have so far been arrested and over 1,290 others have been handed jail terms, according to BNP figures.