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Violence Erupts in Bangladesh During Opposition Protests
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=129AACD:2AB91D3 Witnesses say
police used batons and tear gas against demonstrators in Dhaka and
neighboring town of Narayanganj Police and protesters have clashed in
the Bangladeshi capital, as thousands marched to demand electoral
reforms before the next elections. Dozens were injured. The
demonstrations in Dhaka were held to coincide with a 36-hour general
strike called by the opposition, which charges that the ruling
coalition is trying to manipulate the outcome of the January polls.







Police officers baton charge opposition activists during a general
strike in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Tuesday, June 13, 2006Police fired tear
gas and made baton charges at crowds of angry protesters, some of whom
threw stones at security forces. Police had tried to prevent the
hundreds who had gathered from marching on the center of town.

It is the second time in three days that violence has erupted on the
streets of Dhaka. On Sunday, at least 100 people were injured in
clashes with security forces that also took place during protests to
demand electoral reform.

The Awami League heads a coalition of 14 opposition parties that are
behind the protests. They say the government of Prime Minister Khaleda
Zia is trying to manipulate the results of parliamentary elections due
in January, and they want electoral reform measures to ensure that
does not happen.

They are calling for the removal of the election commissioner and his
deputies, whom they charge are pro-government.

The opposition also wants a say in who heads the interim
administration that will run the country between the end of Ms.
Khaleda's term in October and the January polls.

"We have demanded to have a free and fair election, under a neutral
caretaker government," said Abdul Jalil, the Awami League general
secretary.

The opposition coalition has threatened to continue holding
demonstrations and holding strikes until their demands are met.

Away from the protests, Dhaka was at a virtual stand-still, with
residents observing a 36-hour strike called by the opposition, running
from dawn Tuesday until sundown Wednesday. Bus stations were empty, as
strikers kept all vehicles, except bicycle-rickshaws, off the streets.


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