Blasts, arrests mark Bangladesh general strike

March 18, 2013 10:45 am | Updated November 16, 2021 10:14 pm IST - DHAKA

Firemen douse a burning bus set on fire allegedly by activists of BNP in Dhaka on Sunday.

Firemen douse a burning bus set on fire allegedly by activists of BNP in Dhaka on Sunday.

Activists in Bangladesh’s capital have detonated several homemade bombs and torched at least one bus during an opposition-sponsored general strike. No injuries have been reported.

The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its 17 partners were enforcing Monday’s shutdown, which is aimed at securing the release of 154 opposition leaders and activists detained this month.

Those detained are facing charges of attacking police and creating chaos during an anti-government rally on March 11.

Officials say eight more opposition activists were detained Monday after bombs exploded in parts of the capital. Thousands of security officials have been deployed across Dhaka to ensure order during the strike.

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