Bangladesh polls likely by Jan 25

Dhaka -- Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh may take place by Jan 25. The poll schedule is likely to be announced by the end of this month.

The elections must be conducted during the 90-day tenure of the caretaker government under President Iajuddin Ahmed that took office Oct 30. There are to be no prior consultations with political parties.

Security for the four officials appointed under the constitution has been tightened following intelligence reports that they could be attacked, The Daily Star reported Thursday.

Additional law enforcing agencies including the paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles have been deployed around the secretariat.

Meanwhile, life in Dhaka and other cities eased as the street protests by the 14-party alliance was suspended for four days. Media reports said communication and business were returning to normal after nearly two weeks.

The opposition said it was giving four days to the government to resolve contentious issues, including replacing Chief Election Commissioner M.A. Aziz, who has refused to quit on his own.

On the other hand, three Election Commissioners working under him denied that they were planning to quit.

The poll panel has been enveloped by controversies for many months and has been at the root of the political violence than has engulfed the country.