DHAKA: An opposition-enforced general strike hampered public life for a second day on Tuesday in Bangladesh as violence was reported in parts of the country.
The nationwide strike was meant to force the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to quit to allow for a caretaker government with people from outside political parties to oversee upcoming elections.
On Tuesday, opposition activists clashed with police in northwestern district of Rajshahi, leaving at least 25 people injured, Somoy TV station reported.
It said three activists were detained.
Separately, ruling Awami League activists clashed with the opposition supporters in central Bangladesh’s Munshiganj district, leaving scores injured, Channel 24 station reported.
On Monday, the first day of the 60-hour strike, two people died and scores of others were injured as protesters set off homemade bombs and torched cars.
Security was tight across the capital, Dhaka, with extra police and paramilitary guards on the streets Tuesday.
The protest comes as a Dhaka court is set to deliver verdicts involving a 2009 mutiny at the headquarters of the country’s border guards. At least 74 people, including 57 military officials, were killed in the mutiny. Security was tight around the court.
A similar opposition-backed strike last week also turned violent, with at least 16 people killed in clashes. (AP)
