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Riot follows deadly bombing in Bangladesh. 22/08/2004. ABC News Online

[This is the print version of story http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200408/s1182352.htm]

Last Update: Sunday, August 22, 2004. 3:05pm (AEST)

Riot follows deadly bombing in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, there has been a riot in the wake of a bomb attack at a major opposition rally in Dhaka which killed 18 people and injured 100.

The blasts occurred after a speech by the country's best known Opposition figure, Sheikh Hasina.

The explosions went off in the crowd just after Sheikh Hasina had finished speaking.

The police said they were caused by grenades.

There was panic as people tried to run to safety.

Sheikh Hasina, the leader of the Awami League was unharmed. She was bundled into her official car and driven away.

The former Prime Minister later said God had saved her from an assassination attempt.

Dozens of people were taken to the city's main hospital.

Senior Opposition figures were among the injured and the Awami League has blamed the Government for the attack.

Immediately afterwards party supporters began to riot burning cars and buses.

The Government has denied any involvement saying that the attack was aimed at destabilising the administration of the current Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia.



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