Bangladesh boosts security as BNP holds blockade

A total of 147 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh were deployed across the country on Sunday to maintain law and order ahead of the January 7 elections as a 12-hour road, rail and waterways blockade called by the opposition BNP and its allies demanding the resignation of Sheikh Hasina-led government was underway. This was the 12th blockade called by the opposition since October 31, and the first since the announcement of BNP's non-cooperation movement against the government on December 20 during which it urged people not to pay taxes and utility bills as part of the campaign.