DHAKA -- The Bangladesh Election Commission has scheduled national polls for Jan. 7, forging ahead with the date despite opposition blockades of roads around the country and the U.S. calling for "unconditional" dialogue between the top three parties.

The EC head Kazi Habibul Awal announced the date on Wednesday in a televised address. But analysts warn that the decision to set the schedule without settling opposition protests and demands for a caretaker administration risks further inflaming tensions in the South Asian country.