Dhaka, Feb. 1 -- With just 10 days remaining before the country's much-anticipated general election and referendum on February 12, the official start of the election month has been marked by an alarming surge in political violence, clashes between rival party activists and increasingly incendiary campaign rhetoric across the country.

As candidates intensify door-to-door campaigning and hold rallies in constituencies nationwide, confrontations between supporters of competing parties have become more frequent and deadlier, raising concerns about the overall security environment ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election.

Party leaders, meanwhile, have stepped up fiery speeches and sharp verbal attacks, further heightening tensions on the g...