Voting has ended in Bangladesh’s parliamentary election during a day in which tight security around polling booths could not prevent the killing of six people.
Two women are vying for the post of prime minister in the predominantly Muslim country, in a poll that took place against the backdrop of a build-up of US forces in the region following the September 11th attacks on the United States.
Authorities mounted an unprecedented security operation for the election for the 300-seat parliament, deploying about 55,000 soldiers and 200,000 police, paramilitary and police auxiliaries.
The show of force emboldened voters, in particular women, and scared off trouble-makers, witnesses and officials said.
However, there were reports that six people died in election violence. Newspaper reporters and witnesses said nearly 100 people were injured in violence outside the capital.
The private Ekushey Television said two candidates were arrested, while officials said 42 polling stations were closed - out of almost 3,000 - after clashes between rival political supporters.
"Turnout of voters in Dhaka was more than expected and the election environment was very good," Mr Tony Reis, co-ordinator of U.N. Election Assistance Secretariat in Dhaka, said in initial remarks.
Three hundred people have been killed since former prime minister Ms Sheikh Hasina stepped down on July 15th. About 150 were killed in clashes between rival party activists in the one-month campaign.
The tone of the election was set by the bitter rivalry between the two main contenders - Ms Sheikh Hasina and former prime minister Ms Begum Khaleda Zia.
While observers have been generally upbeat about prospects for a free and fair vote, many have warned of the possibility of violence if the result is not accepted by all parties.
Final results are expected by late tomorrow.