Using emergency powers, the interim Bangladesh government arrested nineteen politicians and sent them to jail for a month on charges of corruption and anti-state activities but no specific charges have been filed. Under emergency orders instituted, security forces can details politicians including former ministers and members of parliament and top officials on suspicion of anti-state activities.
Eight of those arrested are reportedly close to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who set the whole Constitutional crisis in motion last year when she relinquished power in a controversial manner. However, a couple of aides of another former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have also been detained. Some of Zia's aides detained include former ministers.
Bangladesh elections set for January 22 has been indefinitely postponed till electoral rolls discrepancies have been rectified. The Election Commission members, accused of nepotism towards Zia, have already quit and a new members are to be nominated.
