More violence follows attacks against opposition leader

In two days of violence death toll reaches 20 with 260 people arrested, hundreds wounded, and substantial damage to property.

Dhaka (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Yesterday a mob of some 250 people attacked a passenger train near Bhairab, 80 km (50 miles) east of Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, seriously injuring 20 people.

According to official sources the train was travelling to Dhaka from Chittagong when it was set upon by a group of sympathisers of opposition Awami League (AL) party which is led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed. Some 600 passengers were forced off the train and two carriages, set on fire.

The attack came in response to the dozen or so blasts that hit an AL rally last Saturday in which 20 people were killed and about 300 wounded. The former prime minister, who was present at the rally, was not seriously injured except for some internal bleeding to one ear.

Her party claims the government was behind the attacks. "We are against violence, against terrorism, against fanatic terrorists," Ms Sheikh Hasina said. "We believe in secular democratic politics, but they believe in fanatic terrorist politics. This was an attempt to assassinate me."

Current Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, whose coalition government includes two Islamic parties, condemned the attacks whilst denying the opposition's charges.

Police so far said they had no evidence as to who might be behind the blasts. According to the local press investigators are focusing on militant Islamic groups.

The situation in the capital remains tense. Yesterday's funeral procession for Saturday's terror victims turned into a protest march. Police used batons when some mourners started throwing stones at them. Protests broke out in another dozen cities and towns. In many places shops and schools were closed in anticipation of violence. By the end of the day 260 people were taken into custody by the police. Further protest is expected tomorrow when the AL will launch a two-day nation-wide strike.

The AL accuses Prime Minister Zia and his government of corruption and incompetence calling for their resignation and early elections. The government has rejected allegations and vowed to stay in power till the end of its term in 2006.

• bangladesh
• attacks
• terrorism
• political
• clashes
• awali
• league
• opposition
• violence
• revolts
• sheikh
• hasina
• wajed
• khaleda
• zia