At least 50 people were injured and 30 arrested in clashes between police and activists in Bangladesh today as a blockade aimed at derailing parliamentary elections paralysed much of the country for a second day.
Clashes erupted at a dozen spots, including around the headquarters of the Awami League, led by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, in the capital Dhaka.
Protesters set ablaze and damaged several vehicles and fought battles with police across the city and its outskirts. Police used batons and teargas to disperse stone-throwing supporters of Mr Hasina's multi-party alliance, which is boycotting the January 22nd vote.
About 70 people including police were injured yesterday, the first day of the three-day blockade.
The alliance called for the blockades in protest at what it sees as the interim government's inability to hold a free and fair vote. It says caretaker President Iajuddin Ahmed favours Mr Hasina's rival, Begum Khaleda Zia, in the polls.
The alliance, which has threatened to block access to the presidential palace tomorrow, wants Mr Iajuddin to resign but he has refused.
An adviser to the president said last night the interim government would consult rival parties in a last-minute effort to find a solution to the political stalemate, raising some hope of an end to the impoverished country's long-running political woes.
But analysts have said the only way out would be to postpone elections, which Mr Hasina has demanded but Ms Khaleda has opposed.