Dhaka, Feb. 12 -- Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Thursday urged voters to come out and cast their ballots without fear, expressing optimism that the election would be free and fair.

"Please come out of your homes without fear, go to the polling stations and cast your votes. This is a very important day for us," he said.

The Army Chief made the remarks after casting his vote at 10:24am at the Science Building of Adamjee Cantonment College.

"Today is a very important and joyful day in the life of our nation. We have been waiting for this day for the last one and a half years, a free and fair election. Alhamdulillah, that election is being held today," he said.

He said a peaceful atmosphere has been prevailing across the c...