By David L. Chaplin II
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

DHAKA, Bangladesh – Dozens of political activists have been arrested in Bangladesh after the main opposition parties called for a dawn-to-dusk general strike across the country.  The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Khaleda Zia, the former prime minister, said the strike on Sunday was in protest against misrule by the government.

Walid Hossain, a police spokesman, said at least 12,000 officers had been deployed in Dhaka to prevent violence as the shutdown of transportation and businesses brought much of the capital and the country to a standstill.  Hossain said around 200 opposition activists were arrested in a precautionary crackdown, many of whom were picked up for torching and damaging vehicles on Saturday night.

 

Sahara Khatun, the interior minister, gave warning that the government would prevent violence and lawlessness by all means.

Among those held were at least five leaders of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).  Officers said they provoked the strikers to damage public property.

Security forces used tear gas and batons in some areas to break up unruly demonstrations, Police Commissioner A.K.M Shahidul Hoque told CNN by phone from Dhaka, the Bangladeshi capital.  About 18 officers were injured when protesters pelted them with stones, he said.

But Hoque claimed the 12-hour shutdown had little impact on attendance in government offices.  In addition, rail, river and air traffic was normal, although private long-route transport mostly stayed off the road, he said.

In Dhaka, between 1,000 and 1,500 activists held demonstrations in small groups, Hoque said.  The largest protest in the city numbered about 300 strikers, he added.

Bangladesh television said activists of the ruling Awami League party clashed with opposition supporters near a university in Dhaka where witnesses said a legislator and 10 others were injured as police used batons to halt street marches.

Public transport and most businesses remained closed across the country.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who leads the Bangladesh Awami League, said on Saturday: “The BNP and its stooges are out to frustrate democracy and create anarchy.”

Most Bangladeshis have observed a general strike called by the opposition.  Such general strikes are a regular part of political life in Bangladesh.  Many people treat them as holidays but others avoid going to work in case opposition supporters attack them, he adds.

For more information, please see:

CNN World – More than 160 arrested in violent Bangladesh strike – 27 June 2010

Al-Jazerra English – Bangladesh hit by general strike – 27 June 2010

BBC – Bangladesh opposition stages general strike – 27 June 2010