Dhaka, Dec. 29 -- The Workers Party of Bangladesh has announced its decision to boycott the country's upcoming 13th national election, citing a deteriorating law and order situation, political pressure and what it described as the absence of a level playing field, The Daily Star reported.

The decision followed a resolution adopted by the party's central committee and was communicated through an official statement. The party said it had earlier planned to contest the election, anticipating a fear-free environment, equal opportunities for all political parties, and adequate security arrangements for voters, candidates and other stakeholders.

However, the Workers Party said that while the chief election commissioner's address to the nation...