Dhaka city calm after campaign tempest
Monday, 29 December 2008
FE Report
Dhaka, a city infamous for its unbearable traffic jams and noise pollution, appeared calm with no blaring of microphones or campaign slogans last Sunday, a day before the much awaited 9th parliamentary election.
Traffic on the streets was less than normal though offices and business establishments opened after Xmas holiday on December 25 and two-day weekend.
The city witnessed hectic electioneering by the candidates contesting in a number of its constituencies for about two weeks. The campaign reached its crescendo on Friday and Saturday last with Awami League and BNP holding two major public rallies at the historic Paltan Maidan.
The attendance of officials and employees at their work places was thin as many of them had already left for their ancestral village homes or hometowns to exercise their voting rights today (Monday).
Black and white posters with photographs of candidates and party election symbols were seen hanging over every city streets, lane and by-lane. However, no processions were brought out on Sunday as the Election Commission (EC) imposed ban on all types of election campaigns from midnight Saturday.
People in general were found gossiping at homes, cafes and offices, predicting the fate of the two major political alliances in today's elections.
Dhaka, a city infamous for its unbearable traffic jams and noise pollution, appeared calm with no blaring of microphones or campaign slogans last Sunday, a day before the much awaited 9th parliamentary election.
Traffic on the streets was less than normal though offices and business establishments opened after Xmas holiday on December 25 and two-day weekend.
The city witnessed hectic electioneering by the candidates contesting in a number of its constituencies for about two weeks. The campaign reached its crescendo on Friday and Saturday last with Awami League and BNP holding two major public rallies at the historic Paltan Maidan.
The attendance of officials and employees at their work places was thin as many of them had already left for their ancestral village homes or hometowns to exercise their voting rights today (Monday).
Black and white posters with photographs of candidates and party election symbols were seen hanging over every city streets, lane and by-lane. However, no processions were brought out on Sunday as the Election Commission (EC) imposed ban on all types of election campaigns from midnight Saturday.
People in general were found gossiping at homes, cafes and offices, predicting the fate of the two major political alliances in today's elections.