Violent clashes mark oppositing shutdown in Bangladesh

Dhaka, Sep 10 (UNI) Violent clashes between the police and members of the Awami League-led 14-party opposition marked a day-long countrywide shutdown here today.

A bomb hurled by a protestor injured a policeman Mohakhali flyover this morning while a taxi was set afire at Motijheel.

Agitators damaged a minibus at Sheorapara, three molotov cocktails were set off near Golap Shah Mazar, injuring two.

Police charged batons at the protestors near Metro Plaza in which five Awami League leaders, including Mohd Nasim and Liakat Shikder were injured.

The opposition called the 'hartal' to protest against police atrocities on their leaders and activists during Wednesday's siege to the Election Commission secretariat and to press for their demands for electoral reforms in the country.

Police picked up several protestors from different parts of the city during the 'hartal' hours, including three BCL leaders.

The activists have taken to agitation in the latest spell of their movement at the fag end of the ruling coalition tenure.

The protests coupled with late-monsoon heavy showers in the morning, badly affected life. Most vehicles were off the streets while schools, shops and private offices were closed. However, a large number of rickshaws crammed the city streets.

Heavy police deployment was made to meet any eventuality.

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