The peaceful electoral atmosphere that prevailed in the country for the last two weeks was suddenly marred by yesterday's clash between BNP activists and police in front of the party's Naya Paltan central office.

Jatiya Oikyafront yesterday demanded that the Election Commission defer the election, set for December 30, by three more weeks. But the ruling Awami League termed the proposal illogical and urged the commission to stick to its schedule.

The first batch of Rohingyas is all set to be sent back to Myanmar today amid reports that many of the refugees listed for return are hiding in fear of forcible repatriation.

Sachet marketing -- selling products in small quantity, usually in minipacks -- has practically revolutionised the business of consumer products over the last few decades. Gradually, however, it is turning into a serious cause for concern.

A day that seemed to be going Zimbabwe's way ended with smiles for the hosts as Bangladesh, riding on their spinners, managed to bounce back in the final session of the third day of the second Test yesterday.

The Election Commission yesterday warned returning officers of stern action for any failure and negligence in performing polls duties.

Bangladesh and Myanmar are set to begin the long-awaited repatriation of Rohingyas tomorrow. In the first batch, 2,260 refugees are expected to go home.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has urged Dhaka to halt plans for the repatriation of 2,260 Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, warning that the returns would be in violation of international law putting their lives and freedom at serious risk.

The BNP may offer 60 parliamentary seats to its partners in the Jatiya Oikyafront and the 20-party alliance, setting aside the rest for its leaders who have been collecting party nomination papers since Monday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League president, will give strong directives today to a record number of 4,000 aspirants vying for party nomination for the December 30 national election.

The Awami League looks all set to lead the largest electoral alliance ever to take on its archrival BNP and main opposition party and combines in the high-stake December election.

All four technocrat ministers, who had resigned a week ago as per instructions from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, joined the cabinet meeting yesterday.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who has been in jail since February 8 for conviction in a graft case, wants to contest the upcoming parliamentary polls from three constituencies, and nomination forms were bought for her yesterday.

As many as 52 nomination seekers are in a race to win Awami League's ticket to contest the 11th parliamentary polls from Barguna-1.

The International Crisis Group has warned of serious security risks of “forced repatriation” of the Rohingya, just as Myanmar and Bangladesh prepare for the November 15 return of the refugees sheltered in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh dominated proceedings on Day 2 as they picked up the wicket of captain Hamilton Masakadza after declaring their innings at 522 for 7. Zimbabwe openers had negotiated fiery spells from Mustafizur Rahman and newcomer Khaled Ahmed but Taijul Islam picked up the Zimbabwe captain in the 14th over. Four more overs of play took place before stumps on Day 2. ​

The national polls would be held on December 30, according to the revised schedule announced by the Election Commission yesterday.

The decision to participate in the election is part of their movement to restore democracy, the BNP-led 20 parties and Jatiya Oikyafront announced yesterday.

At least 4,000 nomination papers were sold in the last three days earning the Awami League around Tk 12 crore. But that's also a source of worry for the party.

There was a lot at stake for Bangladesh coming into the second and potentially series-saving Test against Zimbabwe on the back of eight consecutive sub-200 scores in their last four Test matches, all of which they lost.