Protests over Bangladesh election chief

Opposition activists have taken to the streets of the Bangladesh capital, Dhaka, to protest at the appointment of a new chief election commissioner.

Former election chief Abu Hena: Resigned on health grounds

The opposition is promising two days of protests at the appointment of MA Syed, saying they were not consulted.

The post had to be filled after the resignation of Mohammad Abu Hena on grounds of ill health.

Mr Syed will be the second bureaucrat to lead the election commission.

Opposition rejection

Following the news of his appointment, Mr Syed quickly sought the support of all political parties.

But the opposition alliance, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), held an emergency meeting soon after the announcement, deciding to reject Mr Syed's appointment.

BNP Secretary-General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan said the government had appointed Mr Syed without consulting other major parties which Mr Bhuiyan says is unacceptable.

Government position

But government ministers have rejected opposition claims.

One minister claims that Mr Syed's name was not the first to be considered, and that the prime minister had made another recommendation but that after a meeting with the president, the prime minister nominated Mr Syed.

Mr Bhuiyan says his party wanted a dialogue on the appointment, but a government spokesman said the opposition had rejected the prime minister's offer of a discussion on the matter.

The opposition parties have already said they will be organising protests against Mr Syed's appointment which analysts say could lead to a fresh brawl in the political arena.