Dhaka:  A state of emergency was yesterday (Jan 12, 2007) declared in Bangladesh with the possibility of violence looming in the wake of the main Awami League-led alliance's decision to boycott the January 22 general elections and organise street protests.

President Iajuddin Ahmed proclaimed a state of emergency suspending fundamental rights as described in the Constitution, a day after thousands of army troops and paramilitary forces were deployed across the country to maintain law and order and aide the civil administration in the smooth conduct of elections.

"The President has proclaimed emergency using his authority as mentioned in the Article 141 of the Constitution," a presidential spokesman said.