The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The Army will be deployed as a striking force during the general election period from December 24 to 31, said Election Commissioner Mohammed Sohul Hussain yesterday.

The earlier announced date of army deployment had been put off in line with deferment of the parliamentary polls from December 18 to December 29, he said.

Upazila polls have also been pushed from December 28 to January 22, 2009.

The Election Commission on November 12 asked the government to keep a striking force deployed from December 12-31 to maintain law and order and ensure security through both general and upazila elections.

Earlier on Saturday, a UN team of representatives led by UN's former assistant general secretary Frances Vendrell, met Sohul and fellow Election Commissioner, M Sakhawat Hussain at the EC secretariat.

The UN team expressed satisfaction at the EC's preparations for a credible and fair election.