Bangladesh's interim government urges political groups, activists and the public to desist from staging unauthorised protests and street gatherings once the timetable for national elections is announced, or else illegal assemblies will invite legal action.
Schedule is expected within days for the 13th parliamentary polls-concurrently with referendum on post-uprising reforms-planned for the first half of February.
At a Ministry of Home Affairs meeting Tuesday, held under instructions from Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, officials outlined plans for what they described as "the most extensive security operation in the country's electoral history".
Nearly 900,000 personnel from the armed forces and law- enforcement agencies will be deployed to maintain order, alongside 150,000 police officers trained specifically for election duty - the highest number Bangladesh has mobilised for a vote.
The government says the aim is to deliver a poll that is "free, fair, neutral and festive", amid intense political activity and public mobilisation over the past months.
But the announcement marks a tightening of restrictions on public demonstrations that see galore nowadays. Once the schedule is released, any protest or rally lacking official approval may be "strictly controlled", officials say, signalling little tolerance for disruptions to public life in the run-up to the polls.
Home Affairs Adviser Lt-General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury acknowledges widespread grievances, noting that more than 2,000 protests had taken place over the past year and a half, many pushing for reform or accountability.
"The government has responded to just demands and engaged in dialogue," he says.
"But we are now entering an election period. We urge everyone to bring their demands before the next government."
He appeals for restraint, warning against actions that could heighten tension or destabilise the pre-election environment.
With the country approaching a decisive political moment, in transition after last year's mass uprising, the government's directive reflects a balancing act between electoral preparation and the management of dissent - a test that observers say will shape public trust in the coming vote.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.con
