Emergency rules relaxed in Bangladesh ahead of general elections

Dhaka, Nov 3 (UNI) Bangladesh caretaker government today relaxed the state of emergency rules to allow pro-election political activities like processions, meetings and rallies.

In a gazette notification issued here, the government relaxed restrictions on the media as the country heads to the December 18 parliamentary elections.

The state of emergency was imposed on January 11 last year restricting political activities and freedom of the press in the wake of volatile political situation over an abortive general elections originally scheduled for Januaey 22, 2007.

President Professor Iajuddin Ahmed also ordered to pullout troops from the emergency duties across the country with the easing of the emergency rules.

The notification said politicians will have to take care to act within the legal framework stipulated in the updated election rules.

Political parties, however, are pressing for full lifting of the state of emergency to create congenial atmosphere for the December polls.

The government argues that full lifting might create law and order situation.

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