An angry mob set fire to a passenger train in central Bangladesh today, injuring at least 20 people.
It was in retaliation for a grenade attack on an opposition rally that killed 18 people and wounded hundreds, police said.
The train was travelling to the capital, Dhaka, from Chittagong city.
Riot police fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesters near Bhairab town, 50 miles east of Dhaka, said Fazlul Huq, chief traffic controller of state-run Bangladesh Railways.
Yesterday, the country’s main opposition leader, Sheikh Hasina, escaped injury when 13 bombs exploded as she addressed supporters outside her Awami League party’s headquarters in Dhaka.
Police also recovered two unexploded devices at Dhaka Central Jail and at a market.
In the attack, at least 18 people were killed and more than 300 injured, including senior opposition members, ATN Bangla TV station reported today. The toll increased after four more deaths were reported in area hospitals, it said.
No-one claimed responsibility, but Awami League general secretary Abdul Jalil said Hasina was the target.
The rally was called to protest at a series of explosions early this month that killed two people, including an opposition supporter, in the north eastern city of Sylhet.
The Awami League has called for nationwide general strikes on Tuesday and Wednesday to protest against the bombings.
It has accused the government of corruption, incompetence and harassment of political opponents.
The government rejects the allegations and has vowed to remain in power until its five-year term ends in 2006.
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