Dhaka, Dec. 12 -- The government has warned that any group taking to the streets with demands following the announcement of the election schedule will face firm action, signaling a sharper stance as Bangladesh enters its final stretch toward the February 12 national polls.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam issued the warning on Thursday at a press briefing held after a meeting of the Advisory Council at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. He said the interim administration had shown "considerable patience" over the past 16 months, during which nearly 2,000 movements took place across the country - all of which, he noted, were handled peacefully.

"But once the election schedule has been announced, if any group goes to the s...