Security around the election commission (EC) secretariate in Agargaon in the capital has been beefed up ahead of the election schedule announcement for the 12th parliamentary election.

EC Secretary Md Jahangir Alam announced this morning that the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal will announce the schedule during his address to the nation at 7:00 pm today.

During his announcement, members of the law enforcement agencies, including the police and the RAB, supported by water cannon vehicles and armed personnel carriers, have been deployed surrounding the EC building.

Majority of the roads in the neighbourhood building have been blocked.

Only individuals with valid identity cards, such as EC staff and accredited journalists, are permitted to enter the Election Commission office.

The EC is going to announce the polls schedule amidst intensified protests and blockades by anti-government parties, led by BNP and Jamaat, demanding the government's resignation. 

The ruling Awami League and its allies, however, said that government's resignation is not an option in accordance with the constitution.

Meanwhile, the US has called on all political parties to engage in unconditional dialogue.

It has also reiterated that it wants free, fair, and peaceful elections in Bangladesh.