Bangladesh to hold election on January 5, opposition protests

An auto rickshaw burns after being set on fire along a street in Dhaka November 25, 2013. REUTERS/Andrew Biraj

DHAKA (Reuters) - Bangladesh will hold its national election on January 5, the Election Commission said on Monday, enraging the opposition, which took to the streets in protest and called for a blockade of roads, waterways and railways across the country.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formed a caretaker administration this month involving members of the ruling party and opposition to oversee the polls, as is the usual pattern in Bangladesh to try to ensure a free and fair vote.