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Protesters Clash with Police in Bangladesh

An alliance of 14 political parties in Bangladesh have gone out to the streets to demand that the chief elections commissioner, M.A. Aziz, and his deputies be replaced by the general elections scheduled January. The alliance is led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who has called upon his supporters to go to the streets and demand a fair election.

The police in the Bangladeshi capitol of Dhaka fired rubber bullets and used batons in efforts to disperse the protesting crowd of thousands who filled the streets. At least one protester was killed and 50 injured. The Demonstrator`s leaders have reported that the use of force is unwarranted as the demonstrations are peaceful. This may be the case yet reports of cars being set ablaze a most likely true.

President Iajuddin Ahmed head of the interim administration call for dialog with all major political parties. Although officials in his caretaker government have said they are prepared to use military force if needed. The clashes between the government and civilians are not limited to the capital. Bangladesh`s main port in Chittagong has been closed due to the transport strike and many international vessels have been anchored in nearby waters waiting for the strike to end. At least 20 other civilians were injured in clashes in Narayanganj and Cox`s Bazar on Monday. It is currently unclear whether the government will change the election committee or continue fighting the protesters in the streets as the international community watches with concern.