DHAKA: Bangladesh has deployed the army nationwide to support security arrangements ahead of general elections scheduled for Thursday, officials said.
Security forces were positioned across major cities, including the capital Dhaka, after the final day of election campaigning concluded on Wednesday. Authorities also imposed a countrywide ban on motorcycle movement from midnight for three days as part of election-related security measures.
Voters will elect members to the 300-seat national parliament. A party or coalition must secure at least 151 seats to form the next government.
According to election officials, a total of 1,981 candidates are contesting the polls, representing several political parties and alliances, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizen Party and the Jatiya Party.
These are the first national elections since the resignation and departure of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
Following her exit, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of the interim government, overseeing preparations for the polls.
A recent public opinion survey has indicated a close contest between rival political alliances. The survey projected marginal differences in voter support between major groupings, suggesting a tightly contested election.
Authorities said the security measures were aimed at ensuring a peaceful voting process and maintaining public order during polling.
