Train services have been severely affected in Bangladesh due to acts of sabotage and arson on the first day of 48-hour nationwide blockade enforced by BNP led Opposition demanding putting on hold the election schedule announced yesterday. Railway links between Dhaka and southeastern port city of Chittagong and northeastern Sylhet were cut off due to uprooting of train tracks.

At least three persons were killed today in violence related incidents.
Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin last night announced the election schedule to hold general election before January 24 under a constitutional deadline.