Bangladesh to deploy army to quell protests
DHAKA, Nov 12 (Reuters) Bangladeshi authorities have decided to deploy troops to help maintain order after protesters demanding the removal of controversial election commissioners paralysed most of the country today with a transport blockade.
The home ministry issued a note to district administrations stating: ''The government has decided to deploy the army to assist civil administration in the wake of the current law and order situation in the country.'' Officials in a district southeast of Dhaka confirmed receipt of the note to Reuters.
President Iajuddin Ahmed met army commanders in Dhaka last week as a 14-party alliance led by Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina announced plans to paralyse the country through transport blockades and other protests from November 12 unless the president removed Chief Election Commissioner M A Aziz and his deputies before then. Elections are due in January 2007.
REUTERS AKJ BS1819