Campaigning ends as Bangladesh prepares for Sunday vote

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Campaigning for Bangladesh's general election ended on Friday. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina used the last full day of campaigning to call for a record fourth term in Sunday's general election vote.

Followers of Hasina paraded in the streets while her opponents insisted the vote would not be free and fair. But the prime minister accused the opposition of organizing bomb attacks; while the Bangladesh Nationalist Party said "the state" was aiding an assault on the opposition.

Earlier this week, soldiers were deployed in most parts of the country to assist the civil administration in ensuring security. The troops, deployed in 389 out of about 500 sub-districts on Monday morning, will stay until next Wednesday to help maintain law and order during the election on Sunday.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday night called on all stakeholders in Bangladesh to ensure that the upcoming general elections are held in an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion.

All Bangladeshi citizens must feel safe and confident in exercising their right to vote, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for Guterres, adding that civil society and electoral observers should be fully supported in playing their role in the process.

The UN chief also reiterated the continued commitment of the UN to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh, the spokesman added.

(With inputs from Xinhua News Agency)