A poster of Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Khaleda Zia flashing a victory sign in Dhaka, Bangladesh, 24 Dec 2008

The government of Bangladesh says it has stepped up security ahead of a crucial election scheduled for Monday following the arrest of two members of a banned Islamist group.

Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia today, Wednesday said the men, arrested near her campaign rally Tuesday, were planning to kill her. Several grenades were seized along with them. Ms. Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party has called on the government to give her more protection.

The Home Affairs Advisor M.A. Matin told reporters in Dhaka that the government is increasing security nationwide after the incident.Authorities had already boosted security following threats against Ms. Zia and her main rival, Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina.

U.S. ambassador to Bangladesh, James Moriarty (l) and Sheik Hasina of the Awami Legue

Ms. Zia told supporters on the campaign trail today that she has ruled out withdrawing from the election.

Meanwhile, Shiek Hasina is in north Bengal districts for election campaign and asked the voters to vote her alliance for progress and development.

US Ambassador James Moriarty has visited one Hindu temple with the community leaders, and said - "the grenade attack near BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia's election rally (yesterday) proves that undemocratic forces are still active in the country".

The poll should return Bangladesh to democracy after near two years of emergency rule. The military intervened in January of 2007 to stop months of violence between supporters of the BNP and the Awami League. Those same two parties are seen as the front-runners in the upcoming poll.