Dhaka, Nov. 19 -- Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has requested support from the Bangladesh Army, police, and other law-enforcing agencies to conduct the next parliamentary election in a peaceful and festive manner.

On Wednesday, he said the national election, scheduled for early February, "must be conducted smoothly".

"Now is the time for elections. We are prepared, and the polling date for early February has been announced. This is a major effort -- a journey from the Uprising to the election," Yunus said.

"It will be peaceful, celebratory, and a time of joy and unity. People will have the opportunity to express their hopes and aspirations."

He credited national unity and the support of the armed forces for the rapid resolution of cris...