Bangladesh's interim government says it has ordered troops
deployed under emergency powers to return to their barracks ahead of elections
next month.
Bangladeshi officials said (Monday) the troops are being recalled to
allow parties to start campaigning for the December 18th vote.
Bangladesh's military-backed interim government had deployed thousands of
troops across the country for almost two years as part of a state of emergency.
It says the troops may be deployed again to keep order on election day.
The son of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina says his mother will
return to Bangladesh on Thursday to take part in the elections.
Sajeeb Wazed Joy tells VOA (Bangla service) that Ms. Hasina will leave
the United States today after spending several months in the country on medical
parole.
He says the Awami League leader told a gathering of Bangladeshis in the U.S.
state of Virginia Sunday that her party will compete in the elections and
strive to bring democracy back to Bangladesh.