The government has imposed a restriction on all kinds of outdoor celebrations on the 31st night on the eve of New Year 2019 due to the general election.

The High Court yesterday granted eight weeks' anticipatory bail to BNP leader Mirza Abbas and his wife Afroja Abbas, president of Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal, in three cases filed over alleged attacks on police and causing violence in Nayapaltan on November 14.

Separate electoral symbols were reserved for all the political parties when they registered with the Election Commission in 2008. Their candidates are supposed to run for elections with own symbols.

Some incumbent Awami League lawmakers and top leaders are unlikely to get party nomination this time, as the ruling party has decided to part with controversial and unpopular candidates, multiple sources have said.

The Election Commission will take steps within the law against Tarique Rahman’s involvement with BNP’s nomination process if a complaint is received, an election commissioner says.

BNP today alleges that law enforcers are continuing to arrest their party men even after the schedule of the national election was announced.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader urges the Election Commission to look into the matter whether a fugitive convict can take part in the election process.

Saying that the Jatiya Oikyafront would not boycott the upcoming national election, its top leader Dr Kamal Hossain yesterday called upon the alliance men and all others to guard the polling centres so that voters could exercise their franchise.

The Awami League is willing to offer its 14-party allies 15 seats -- the number of constituencies they currently hold -- against their demand for 120, said one of the alliance leaders.

The Jatiya Oikyafront and the BNP-led 20-party alliance will initially field multiple candidates all the 300 constituencies to avoid the risk of going to the polls without their contenders in some seats.

It is for the Election Commission, not for the government, to ensure a level-playing field for the election, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said yesterday.

Reza Kibria, son of slain former Awami League Finance Minister Shah AMS Kibria, wants to contest the December 30 parliamentary polls under Jatiya Oikyafront from Habiganj-1 constituency.

The Election Commission (EC) yesterday sent a letter to the Inspector General of Police seeking a report on the clash between BNP activists and law enforcers in front of the party's Nayapaltan office on November 14.

The 11th parliamentary election has already seen thousands of nomination-seekers -- from retired public servants, businessmen, actors, singers, cricketers, footballers, labour leaders to bona fide politicians -- lining up to become a lawmaker.

Jatiya Oikyafront leader Dr Kamal Hossain calls upon the supporters of the newly floated political alliance to guard the polling centres instead of boycotting the 11th parliamentary election scheduled to be held on December 30.

The Election Commission warns the election officers of punitive action if any allegations of bias were raised against them during the 11th parliamentary election.

Election Commissioner Kabita Khanam yesterday said it would not be possible for the Election Commission to hold a “hundred percent fair” election.

Top leaders of the Jatiya Oikyafront yesterday said the atmosphere in the country is not at all congenial for holding a free and fair election but it will not quit the electoral race regardless of the situation.

Jatiya Oikyafront wants to take full advantage of growing discontent among nomination seekers from the Awami League and its allies and gives special attention to the constituencies where the 14-party alliance, led by the ruling AL, is facing the problem.

Clean image, popularity and acceptability -- these are the key selection criteria the ruling Awami League has set for candidates in the December 30 national election.