STORY: Army troops deployed ahead of Bangladesh's general elections to ensure security
SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 3, 2024
DATELINE: Jan. 3, 2024
LENGTH: 0:02:10
LOCATION: Dhaka
CATEGORY: MILITARY/POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of soldiers leaving the cantonment for patrol duty
2. various of soldiers patrolling and directing traffic in the streets 
3. various of vehicles with soldiers patrolling through a street 

STORYLINE:

As Bangladesh's general election is scheduled to kick off on Jan. 7, army troops have been deployed in most parts of the country to assist the civil administration in ensuring security.
   
The troops, deployed in 62 out of 64 districts on Wednesday morning, will stay until Jan. 20 to help maintain law and order during the election.
   
Since late October, Bangladeshi opposition parties have observed a series of blockades and strikes to mount pressure on the ruling Bangladesh Awami League (AL) party government to quit power and hold the next election under a non-partisan administration.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has repeatedly rejected opposition calls to step down and reaffirmed her vow to make the country's upcoming national election free, fair and neutral, reflecting the will of the people.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Dhaka.
(XHTV)