Bangladesh's army-backed government Wednesday scrapped a state of emergency that had been in place for nearly two years and ramped up security across the country ahead of elections in 12 days.
Bangladesh's police chief, Nur Mohammad, confirmed a presidential order to lift the emergency at one minute past midnight had been fulfilled.
Commentators hailed the move by the interim authorities as a major step in restoring democracy to the poor South Asian nation, which has had a history of coups and counter-coups since winning independence from Pakistan in 1971.
"Emergency out, rights in," blared the biggest English-language newspaper, The Daily Star, rejoicing that "the nation today finds its fundamental rights reinstated after around two long years."
The measure repeals laws that have been in place since emergency rule was imposed 23 months ago on January 11, 2007, after months of violent nationwide political strikes had brought the country to a standstill.
"There is no emergency after one minute past midnight (18:01 GMT Tuesday)," police chief Mohammad said.
"We have already mobilised extra security," Mohammad added. "I am confident the situation will stay stable, and campaigns and voting will take place in a peaceful atmosphere."
Many emergency provisions, which banned political gatherings, had already been relaxed in recent months, while political campaigning had been permitted since Friday.
Source: Bangkok Post