Bangladesh to lift ban on indoor political activity

Dhaka, Apr 24: Bangladesh's Election Commission is considering partially lifting a ban on political activity by allowing parties to hold indoor rallies.

''The ban on indoor politics might be lifted by May 8,'' election commissioner Sakhawat Hussain told reporters.

The army-backed interim government imposed a ban on outdoor political activity on January 11 after announcing a state of emergency following widespread violence. On March 8 they extended the ban to include indoor rallies as well.

The election chief said that after the resumption of indoor political activity the commission would hold meetings on its reforms agenda with the major political parties.

The commission plans to refix election expenses by each candidate at 500,000 taka from 300,000 taka currently. But the parties want it raised to 1.0 million taka, commission officials said.

Other reforms on the cards include barring candidates from contesting more than two constituencies against five now, and using photographs of dead party icons in election posters.

An election planned for January 22 was postponed indefinitely after the imposition of emergency rule.

Reuters>