Dhaka  - Security has been beefed up across Bangladesh amid threats by militants against prominent political leaders running in elections next week, officials said Wednesday.

"The forces have been ordered strictly maintain security across the country," said Police Chief, Noor Mohammad. Threats against two former prime ministers Sheikh Hasina Wajed and Khaleda Zia were not from an organized source, Mohammad said.

Intelligence agencies reportedly warned last week that Islamist militants were out to kill Hasina, the chief of the Awami League party. Zia, the chief of the Bangladesh Party, meanwhile claimed that militants had targeted her on Tuesday, after the lawmen captured two suspects in central Comilla district.

"Considering their safety, a security belt is being created nevertheless. We will do everything needed for their security," Mohammad said after a meeting with the home affairs adviser, M A Matin to discuss the fresh security plans for elections.

The meeting resolved the deployment of over 6,000 members of the elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion across the country to tackle the situation.

The paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles border force was also asked to remain alert along the 4,000-kilometre borders with India and Myanmar to prevent militants from entering Bangladesh.

On December 20, Bangladesh deployed over 50,000 military troops to help maintain order before, during and after the elections.

Following a warning from the interim administration that militants are out to vitiate the election atmosphere in several areas after the lifting of the state of emergency, law enforcers have captured as many as 15 suspected Islamist militants and seized explosives. (dpa)