Dozens hurt as protesters attempt Dhaka blockade

Dhaka, June 11: Nearly 50 Bangladesh opposition leaders and activists trying to stage a blockade of the capital, Dhaka, were injured in clashes with police today, witnesses said.

Rock-throwing protesters fought pitched battles with riot police who retaliated with tear gas and baton charges.

Leaders of the opposition Awami League have defied court orders and urged followers to gather at city entry points today to lay siege to the capital.

The opposition wants the caretaker administration that will be appointed to organise January's election to be led by a figure acceptable to all political groups, and the armed forces placed under the caretaker leader's control during the polls.

Opposition leaders said the turnout would be ''huge''.

Witnesses said city's inter-district bus terminals looked deserted with virtually no customers. Ferries and trains moved in the early hours today, but with very few passengers.

Police toured Dhaka overnight with loudspeakers declaring the High Court had banned the blockade and anyone participating could be prosecuted.

Authorities deployed more than 30,000 riot police and paramilitary troops in the capital, home ministry officials said.

Awami general secretary Abdul Jalil said the opposition would call for an indefinite strike if the government tried to foil the siege.

''I am warning the authorities against trying to stop us by using force. The siege is our democratic right and we are going to implement it,'' Jalil said.

Nearly 5,000 opposition activists and suspected criminals have been detained by police in the run up to Sunday's protest, but they spared main leaders in the swoop.

Political analysts said the stage was now set for clashes between opposition activists and police during the siege, which is aimed at forcing the government to accept opposition demands for electoral reforms.

Hasina also wants Chief Election Commissioner M A Aziz to be removed for what she says is his pro-government bias.

Khaleda's second five-year term is due to end in October, when the caretaker government required by the constitution will take over.

Reuters