DHAKA, 7 September 2006 — Bangladeshi opposition activists clashed with police in the capital yesterday, injuring nearly 100 people during a demonstration for electoral reforms ahead of elections next year, police and witnesses said.
Police fired tear gas shells and used batons to stop hundreds of opposition activists from marching on the office of the election commission in Dhaka. Several policemen were among the injured, many by stones thrown by the protesters, a witness said.
A 14-party opposition alliance led by the Awami League had planned a siege around the election commission’s office to force the government to carry out electoral reforms for a free and fair election next January.
Police had imposed a ban on gatherings, marches and rallies near the election commission’s office and set up barbed wire barricades to stop the protesters. The opposition wants the chief election commissioner and his deputies removed, accusing them of a pro-government bias. The parties also want a say in choosing the head of a caretaker administration that will supervise the election.
The government has ignored the demand and accused the opposition of trying to push the country into anarchy by disrupting elections.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador Patricia A. Butenis said yesterday the next general election in Bangladesh will not be acceptable without the participation of Awami League.
“I think the elections will not be acceptable if the opposition doesn’t participate,” the US envoy was quoted by director of the country’s apex trade body Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Helal Uddin as having told businessmen at a meeting. Butenis said the participation of all political parties in the election is essential for democracy.
