Bangladesh goes to polls tomorrow

The main fight is between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, her alliances and opposition OikyoFront.

Meanwhile, keeping in mind the Dec 30 polls, Bangladesh authorities have instructed mobile network operators to shut down 4G and 3G data services across the country.

The restriction will remain imposed until 12:01 am on Dec 31, local media reports said.

However, 3G voice services and 2G voice and data services are going to remain active during this phase.

BTRC Senior Assistant Director (Media) Zakir Hossain Khan told bdnews24.com: “For state security and to prevent the spread of rumours, mobile phone operators have been instructed by email to shut down 3G and 4G internet services. Services will resume on Monday.”

In the south Asian nation, voters are expected to cast ballots for 299 parliamentary seats between 8am and 4pm to select the new Prime Minister of the country.

Hasina will be aiming to come to power for the third straight term.

Meanwhile, opposition leader and BNP supremo Khaleda Zia is currently in prison over corruption charges.

Sheikh Hasina urges people to stay alert:

Hasina, meanwhile, has urged her party members not to believe if BNP and Jatiya Oikyafront announce their withdrawal from tomorrow's election halfway through.

"All must stay alert so that the Oikyafront cannot make tomorrow's (Sunday's) election questionable," she was quoted as saying by The Daily Star.

"I request the voters to cast their votes, I request the candidates to collect the result-sheets having the signatures of presiding and returning officers," Hasina said.

"I request our all agents in the polling centres to remain there till the results are out... all must continue the election procedure," she said.

The OikyoFront urges people to secure their right to vote on the election day:

The key opposition alliance:

Jatiya Oikya Front chief Kamal Hossain urged people of Bangladesh to secure their right to vote on Sunday.

Amid reports that BNP and the opposition alliance withdrawing from the general election, Kamal was quoted as saying by bdnews24: "My clear response to this is: we will not step away from this on our own."

EC directs to maintain law and order on polling day:

Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda directed security officials to maintain law and order situation in the nation on Dec 30.

“I am instructing the law-enforcement agencies to strictly control the violent and subversive situation, if it arises, to ensure a safe environment for everyone in the election,” Huda told media.

Joy smells Awami League victory:

Bangladesh Prime Minister's ICT Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy has expressed hope that the ruling Awami League will register a 'massive victory' in the General Elections which is scheduled to be held on Sunday.

"Tomorrow is election day and I believe will be a day of massive victory for the Boat! To all my Awami League brothers and sisters, please ensure a peaceful, successful election," Joy posted on Facebook.

He warned Awami League members that key opposition BNP-Jamaat are trying everything to make the election 'controversial'.

"The BNP-Jamaat are trying everything to make the election controversial as all polls show they will lose badly. I suspect they will attempt to cause disruptions, seize polling centers, maybe even withdraw midway through the day during polling," he said.

Joy, also the son of Prime Minister and Awami League President Hasina, further posted: "Dont fall for their tricks. Ensure polling centers are safeguarded and continue your election efforts until polling closes in the evening."