Security tightened along India-Bangladesh border ahead polls

Security along India-Bangladesh border was further tightened and paramilitary troops were on high alert on Friday in wake of the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh ahead of the January 5 general election.

The Border Security Force (BSF) has been put on high alert in Lankamura area of Tripura and has been asked to remain vigilant to foil any infiltration attempt by the militants.

Recently, fresh violence erupted in Bangladesh ahead of the election, as the opposition, led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party says it will not take part in the vote unless an interim government oversees it and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina steps down.

The opposition's boycott means more than half of 300 Parliament seats will go uncontested, undermining the legitimacy of the election and making it highly unlikely it will do anything to restore stability in one of the world's poorest countries.

Keeping in view the political instability in Dhaka, India has stepped up security along its border with Bangladesh.

"Since there is election in Bangladesh, so the security along the border is very tight. Border Security Force (BSF) is on alert so that militants cannot infiltrate. Hence, security has been increased," said Sabita Sarkar, a villager in the border area.

India has also decided to keep its border sealed for three days from January 04 ahead of Bangladesh's January 05 parliamentary election.

"The Border Security Force personnel are performing their duty as there are elections in Bangladesh on January 05. The soldiers are on alert," said Sanjay Chakraborty, another villager in the border area.

Violence has gripped the country as Hasina and her ruling Awami League press ahead with vote.

More than 200 people have been killed in political violence this year, half of them since November 25 when the Election Commission announced the date for the vote.