Two supporters of the ruling party died when rival groups clashed after the campaigns kicked off. The opposition said such attacks are designed to weaken them ahead of the poll, while the ruling party has accused its opponents of trying to destabilize the election process, fearing defeat. Hossain has emerged as a strong challenger to Hasina since the country's main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party — led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia — joined his opposition alliance front. Most of its leaders have been hanged under Hasina for crimes stemming from the war for independence in 1971. Zia, who is serving jail terms for corruption, is Hasina's arch rival, and an appeals court recently ruled she was disqualified from running for Prime Minister.

Source: ABC News December 14, 2018 08:43 UTC