Dozens Detained in Bangladesh Anti-Government Strike

Posted June 5th, 2011 at 12:35 pm (UTC-5)
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Police in Bangladesh have detained dozens of opposition demonstrators during a nationwide anti-government strike in the capital, Dhaka.

Thousands of police and security personnel were deployed around the country Sunday as supporters of the main opposition Bangladesh National Party held a strike in protest of the government’s attempt to change the constitution.

Three bombs exploded in the capital during the strike, leaving one person wounded, while in other parts of the country at least 20 activists were injured in scuffles with police.

Authorities detained at least 60 opposition activists in the capital and elsewhere in the country as they attempted to hold street protests.

The strike was called after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ruling Awami League party announced plans to repeal a provision that requires it to hand over power at the end of its term to a caretaker government while elections take place.