DHAKA, Jan 29: At least 33,000 people have been arrested in Bangladesh by the army, police and security forces since a state of emergency was imposed earlier this month, an official said Monday.

“Joint forces including army, police, and other paramilitary forces have so far arrested 33,000 people across the country,” said assistant inspector-general of police Motiur Rahman.

“Our efforts are aimed at preventing criminals and political muscle men from interfering in the holding of free and fair election. We are arresting those who are charged with criminal cases,” he said.

Some of those arrested have been released, he said, although he was not able to give figures.

Polls slated for Jan 22 were cancelled amid an intense dispute between Bangladesh’s key political blocs over the vote’s likely integrity.—AFP