Date:21/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/21/stories/2008122150050100.htm

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Over 40,000 soldiers deployed ahead of polls

DHAKA: Bangladesh on Saturday deployed over 40,000 soldiers across the country, as the intelligence agencies fear attacks by the Islamist militants ahead of the general elections on December 29.

The troops will be stationed as “striking forces” alongside Bangladesh Rifles, coast guard, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and armed police until December 31, the bdnews online quoted Home Ministry officials as saying. RAB and armed police forces will be deployed on December 24. — PTI