International   

Bangladesh army cracks down on protesters

Dhaka: Tens of thousands of soldiers with sweeping powers to arrest persons without warrant launched a crackdown on anti-Government protesters across Bangladesh on Wednesday as Opposition parties vowed to resist the January 22 general election.

At least 620 political activists were rounded up on the first day of the army drive. Home Affairs Ministry sources said more than 60,000 troops have been deployed across the country to protect 35,000 polling stations which were under threat of attack from activists of the Opposition parties boycotting the polls.

The deployment of the army is in addition to riot police and paramilitary border guards called out to quell protests over the virtually one-sided election. A united Opposition led by Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina is abstaining from the upcoming polls accusing the caretaker Government of favouring Khaleda Zia.

Meanwhile, Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday announced further protests across the country at a rally in Dhaka. Protests slated for the coming weeks include a 24-hour blockade.

``The people will not allow any farcical election in any way,'' Ms. Hasina told a huge rally of her combine joined by her other poll partners.

``Iajuddin must quit as the Chief Advisor, the Election Commission must be reconstituted and fresh poll schedule announced. Only then an election can be held,'' she said. — Agencies

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Pakistan showcases Gwadar port
Al-Qaeda leader killed in U.S. air raid
16 killed in Sri Lanka
Bangladesh army cracks down on protesters
Bird flu case in China
Signs of a thaw in writers' feud
Chopsticks norm for Japanese girls school entry
Freed fishermen reach Wagah

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu