Bangla relaxes curfew despite some violence

Dhaka, Aug 25: The Bangladesh capital of Dhaka was bustling again today after authorities relaxed a curfew imposed after university student clashes with the military this week.

''The curfew will remain relaxed from 6 am (0530 IST) to 11 pm (2230 IST) today,'' a statement from the home ministry said.

The curfew, which shut down public transport, schools, banks, clinics and pharmacies, was imposed in Dhaka and five other cities on Wednesday after student-led protests against the presence of troops on the Dhaka University campus turned violent and spread across the country.

One man was killed and nearly 300 were injured in clashes with security forces in Dhaka and other cities before the curfew was declared.

Activists threw stones and smashed vehicles with sticks in Malibagh district in Dhaka and similarly brief curfew-breaking attempts occurred in several other cities yesterday.

Political analysts say if the protests continue they could pose a serious challenge to the interim government, which has restricted political activities and launched a major anti-corruption drive.

The interim government scrapped elections scheduled for January this year and is working to create a climate for free and fair polls by the end of next year.

Universities Closed

Police have filed 35 cases accusing about 42,000 unnamed people for Wednesday's violence in Dhaka and will identify them by viewing television footage.

All universities and colleges in the six cities under curfew, including the 40,000-student Dhaka University, have been closed indefinitely.

The violence subsided on Thursday, after security forces patrolled the streets and authorities warned they would take stern action against disorder. The curfew was relaxed for 14 hours until 10 pm (2230 IST) yesterday.

Police the same day detained two teachers from Dhaka University for instigating student unrest and arrested 50 people including 10 university students in Dhaka for breaking the curfew.

Three teachers from Rajshahi university in the country's northwest have also been detained. One bystander was killed and at least 100 students were injured in Rajshahi during clashes with police, witnesses said.

A top student leader has also been arrested and cases filed against 2,500 students, officials have said.

The government apologised on Saturday after journalists complained of military harrassment during curfew hours.

Several journalist organisations and trade unions said at least 20 reporters and photographers were harrassed by troops during curfew hours, despite identifying themselves as journalists.

''The incidents were unwarranted and regretable,'' a statement from the home ministry said. ''It is ordered that the law enforcers should extend every cooperation to media to discharge their professional duties.'' Reuters
>