In Bangladesh, the Election Commission has completed all formalities for holding the 10th parliamentaty polls on Sunday. Election campaigning is scheduled to end Friday morning, making today the last day of campaigning. EC has asked for a security blanket for all 18,209 voting centres from Saturday including intensified patrolling of mobile team and striking forces, and restriction of all vehicular movement.

The 18-party BNP-led Opposition combine has boycotted the elections, on the issue of polls-time government, and is enforcing the latest spell of non-stop nationwide transport blockade since yesterday. Sporadic incidents of violence occured in Dhaka today with blockaders detonating a few crude bombs near Shahbhag area.

Capital remains under heavy security with no long-distance buses entering or leaving it. Trains and some ferries are plying. Police forces have arrested 7 Opposition activists during an overnight drive in Joypurhat on charges of vandalism and arson.

Blockaders torched 5 vehicles and 2 election campaign offices in 4 districts of Satkhira, Jessore, Gazipur and Brahmanbaria last night. Joint forces consisting of police RAB and BGB have arrested over 100 activists across the country in a crack down on vulnerable areas to contain subversive activities ahead of the elections.

Voting will take place on January 5th for 147 constituencies out of 300, as 153 lone candidates are set to be elected unopposed.