Dhaka, Dec. 20 -- A section of Udichi Shilpigosthi has organised a cultural rally in Dhaka in protest against what it describes as "planned criminal attacks", vandalism and arson targeting the organisation's central office, Chhayanaut, Prothom Alo, The Daily Star and other sites across Bangladesh.

The protest also included a torch procession under the banner of the Democratic Cultural Alliance.

The meeting agenda includes discussion of illegal firearm recovery, crackdowns by joint forces, and enforcement of the electoral code of conduct.

The EC has decided to deploy law-enforcing agencies for five days before and after the parliamentary polls and referendum. The forces will remain in the field from Feb 9 to Feb 13.

The EC will brief r...