Dhaka: Armed with sweeping powers to arrest anyone without a warrant, Bangladesh's armed forces were today  (Jan 10, 2007)deployed across the country to maintain order ahead of the controversial January 22 general elections.

A Home Ministry statement said the armed forces, which will act as mobile and strike forces, might also be deployed at polling stations if necessary.

Election Commission officials said the troops have been given unprecedented authority to arrest anyone at any place without a warrant until January 29.

The deployment came as Sheikh Hasina's Awami League (AL)-led mega alliance geared up to hold a grand rally at the major Paltan Maidan venue in the capital later today after three days of nationwide railway, waterway and road blockade that crippled the country.

The violence during the action left more than 300 people injured with police using all force.

The alliance is demanding the resignation of President Iajuddin Ahmed from the post of chief adviser to the caretaker Government.