Opposition rallies in Bangladesh turn violent, 5 killed

DHAKA: At least five protesters were killed and over 300 injured as workers of the main opposition BNP on Friday clashed with security forces during rallies across Bangladesh demanding a neutral caretaker government to oversee the next general election.

BNP chief Khaleda Zia, addressing a massive rally here, issued an ultimatum to her archrival PM Sheikh Hasina to initiate talks on her demand. The former PM said if the demand was not accepted, the party would enforce a 60-hour nationwide strike from October 27.

Two demonstrators were killed in southeastern Cox's Bazar when security personnel fired at BNP supporters. Two more were killed in central Chandpur district when protesters clashed with security forces. One protester died in northern Jaldhaka town when Rapid Action Battalion personnel opened fire at supporters of the rightwing Jamaat-e-Islami, a key ally of the BNP. Violence also erupted in different parts of Bangladesh, including southwestern Patuakhali, leaving over 300 people hurt.