Dhaka, Jan. 28. (AP): A grenade exploded at an opposition rally in northeastern Bangladesh, killing a former finance minister and at least four other people and wounding about 100 others, doctors and reports said Friday.

Former Finance Minister Shah Mohammad Kibria, who had just finished giving a speech at the rally, was wounded in the blast and died while on the way to a hospital late Thursday, doctors said.

The attack on an opposition Awami League rally occurred in Habiganj district, 120 kilometers (75 miles) northeast of the national capital Dhaka on Thursday, the United News of Bangladesh said.

"There was a big bang as we were about to leave the rally. I saw several people screaming in pain," said Shahid Chowdhury, an opposition leader at the scene.

No one claimed responsibility for the attack.

The injured were taken to hospitals, some of them in serious condition, Iqbal said.

"The hospitals here are struggling to treat so many injured people," said Chowdhury.

A police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed there was an explosion and casualties at the rally. He said senior police officials were at the site investigating.

The Awami League - led by the country's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina - called for a nationwide general strike to condemn the attack, the party said.

Hundreds of angry opposition members took to the streets in Habiganj town to protest, smashing vehicles and attacking shops, according to witnesses.

Iqbal said authorities deployed extra security forces to the town to try to prevent violence.

In August, a grenade attack on an Awami League rally in Dhaka killed 21 people and injured more than 300. Sheikh Hasina, who escaped unharmed, blamed the government for the blasts.

The government denied involvement and condemned the attack - but failed to make any headway in catching those responsible.