Over 200 injured in Bangla hartal called by Awami League
Dhaka | January 22, 2006 9:36:06 PM IST
Sporadic violence left over 200 people injured as a dawn-to-dusk ''hartal'' enforced by the opposition Awami league disrupted normal life and business across Bangladesh today.Awami League led 14-party opposition combine enforced the shutdown from 0600 hrs to protest the appointment of two Election Commissioners and demand resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Justice M A Aziz. UNB News Agency said pro-ruling BNP activists equipped with guns allegedly opened fire on the procession in northern Jamalpur, injuring at least 30. In the capital, nearly 100 opposition activists were injured and many arrested as riot police clashed with Awami League workers at different points, including Mohakhali, Mirpur, Paltan and Gulistan. Witnesses said police charged baton indiscriminately to disperse the agitating crowd. Awami League leaders Col (Rtd) Farooq Khan MP, Brigadier (Rtd) Subed Ali, Brig (Rtd) Baker Hossain, Col (Rtd) Shajahan, Col Maksud, Col Jamil and former MP Dr. Iqbal were among those injured. Police arrested several hundred activists on charge of violent picketing as they hurled brickbats at police and passing vehicles. Awami League chief whip Abdus Shaheed staged demonstration at Russel Square demanding resignation of the election commission. Schools, shops and private offices were closed and most automobiles stayed off the roads in Dhaka. Awami League general secretary Abdul Jalil MP said,'' People will not participate in general elections unless the present Chief Election Commissioner and two other newly appointed Election Commissioners Justice Mahfuzur Rahman and S M Zakaria resign.'' The authorities have deployed around 8,000 police and paramilitary BDR personnel at strategic points to maintain law and order in the capital. Reports said police also clashed with opposition supporters in northern Rangpur town leaving more than 50 people wounded. In eastern Sylhet town, at least 10 people, including a television cameraman, were injured. UNI XC AK MSJ KP2016
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