US Ambassador in Dhaka Earl R Miller yesterday urged all to refrain from violence, and participate in the December 30 election peacefully.

The Awami League will expedite institutionalising democracy and strengthen the National Human Rights Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the mass media and the judiciary if voted to power for a third straight time.

Some unidentified criminals explode a crude bomb in front of an electoral camp of Biren Sikder, Awami League candidate for Magura-2 constituency.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader terms BNP’s election manifesto as a colourful balloon saying the party came up with some unrealistic pledges intending to come to power.

Ruling Awami League promises availability of city amenities in every village of the country in its election manifesto.

Picking up from safe road protest a few months ago, the ruling Awami League has vowed to bring discipline in Dhaka’s transport sector.

Awami League President Sheikh Hasina is determined to achieve gender equality and ensure equal rights for women.

Jamalpur-1 candidate from BNP tent, M Rashiduzzaman Millat’s hopes of candidacy is dashed after the Supreme Court upheld his rejection.

The Jatiya Oikyafront has come up with several laudable promises in its manifesto, but making good on the pledges would be a big challenge, if the alliance comes to power, said experts.

A provision for an election time government will be made and the Election Commission will be given full independence, Oikyafront says in its manifesto.

The BNP yesterday demanded immediate deployment of armed forces members, alleging that the government did not want the party to stay in the polls race and police were acting as its opposition.

Polling materials, except ballot papers, have already been sent to 63 districts as Bangladesh prepares for its next general election.

The elections will be held on time despite all conspiracies, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader says.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleges that the government wants to fend off voters from polling stations through intimidation.

The High Court places a bar on M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Tahsina Rushdir Luna from running in the upcoming general election.

Prime Minister's ICT Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy says the ruling Awami League will win 168 to 220 seats on its own in the next parliamentary elections billed for December 30.

Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda has instructed lawmen to curb violence arising in the country ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Violence over electioneering continued for the third consecutive day yesterday with reports of sporadic attacks and clashes in the city and different districts.

Businessmen are likely to retain their dominance in the next Jatiya Sangsad. Participation of a large number of businessmen in the polls indicates that their presence in the new parliament will be overwhelming and money will influence the election. In the alliances led by the Awami League and BNP, around 62 percent of the contestants are businessmen, according to the data from 286 of 300 constituencies.

Terming the coming election crucial, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday sought another chance for the Awami League to serve the country.