At least 20 people were injured and dozens arrested Tuesday as a general strike paralyzed Bangladesh and sparked anti-government protests.
The stoppage was called by the opposition Awami League in response to a grenade attack on a political rally Saturday in Sylhet that killed 18 people. Shots were also fired in the attack, although opposition leader Sheikh Hasina escaped uninjured.
Most demonstrations were peaceful but police were out in riot gear, the BBC reported.
We don't want to see any more death. This repressive government must step down right now, opposition leader Hasina told reporters, referring to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
Transport operators said there were few vehicles on the highways although a few trains and river ferry services were running. Cargo handling was completely stopped at the country's main port in the southern city of Chittagong, officials said.
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Oil is now 136% more expensive than before September 11, 2001, yet demand surges. The world currently consumes 81.2 million barrels of oil a day. OPEC has promised to do something, as has Saudi Arabia, but they can't deliver. Neither can Iraq, where US plans for a world of cheap oil have started to go all wrong. (Click on photo for full story).
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Saturday 28th August, 2004
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