DHAKA, 24 December 2005 — At least 50 people were injured as hundreds of demonstrators clashed with police in Dhaka yesterday, police said.
The supporters of the Khatme Nabuwat Movement held a rally as part of their “court arrest” program to press the government to declare Ahmadis non-Muslims.
As the protesters tried to move toward Dhaka Central Jail after breaking the police barricade at the GPO crossing, the law enforcers swung into action using batons and lobbing tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. The demonstrators pelted police with stones.
Several policemen were among the injured as the protesters smashed vehicles in the heart of the city, a police officer said.
“They threw bricks at us and were unruly, forcing us to retaliate with tear gas and baton charges,” a police officer said speaking on condition of anonymity.
Dhaka Plans Law to Stem Militancy
Bangladesh is preparing a law to combat terrorism and militancy.
The ministries of home affairs, finance and law are working together to draft the law. It will be placed in the next session of Parliament for approval, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Moudud said.
Moudud, however, said that before the law is enacted bombing cases suspects will be tried in speedy trial tribunals (STTs).
The minister justified the enactment of the new law saying the law is needed to curb rising crime. He said the government would take all necessary measures to stem militancy.
