Dhaka: Over 100,000 supporters of two major Bangladesh opposition parties rallied in the capital Dhaka on Saturday, demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina step down to allow a free and fair vote under a neutral government.
Massive Opposition Rally in Dhaka
On Saturday, the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the largest Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, organized massive rallies in Dhaka, marking a new phase in their protests as a general election is due within three months.
Demands for Change
The opposition groups are demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation, calling for free and fair elections under a neutral government. Sheikh Hasina, who has been in power for 15 years, has overseen significant economic growth in Bangladesh. However, her government faces allegations of corruption, rising inflation, and human rights abuses.
Protest Actions
Despite BNP leader Khaleda Zia being under effective house arrest due to a corruption conviction, her supporters rallied in Dhaka to demand change. They came in buses and even rode on packed trains to join the demonstrations. The protesters accused Sheikh Hasina of electoral fraud and chanted slogans against her.
Police Deployed, Clashes Erupt
Around 10,000 police officers were deployed to maintain order during the protests. Clashes erupted between the police and hundreds of demonstrators, resulting in the use of tear gas and rubber bullets by the authorities. Some police officers were reportedly injured during the confrontations.
Estimates of Rally Size
Dhaka Metropolitan Police estimated that at least 100,000 people joined the BNP rally, while up to 25,000 participated in the Jamaat protest near the city's main commercial district.
Rally Banned, but Protesters Break Through
The Jamaat protest had initially been banned by the police, with hundreds of officers blocking off a key intersection. Despite this, approximately 3,000 protesters managed to break through the police cordon and demonstrate.
Arrests and Threats of Aggressive Protests
The police arrested at least 200 BNP supporters for allegedly hurling Molotov cocktails, and over 600 activists and supporters were detained during the previous week. The BNP has threatened more aggressive protests like strikes and blockades if Sheikh Hasina does not resign voluntarily.
International Concern
Western governments have expressed concern about the political climate in Bangladesh, where Sheikh Hasina's ruling Awami League holds significant power, and her security forces have been accused of various human rights violations.
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