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Bangladesh deaths rise as Jamaat protest strike begins Bangladesh deaths rise as Jamaat protest strike begins
(about 2 hours later)
At least 16 people have died in clashes in Bangladesh at the start of a strike called over a death sentence given to an Islamist party leader.At least 16 people have died in clashes in Bangladesh at the start of a strike called over a death sentence given to an Islamist party leader.
Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, of Jamaat-e-Islami, was sentenced on charges including murder, rape and torture during the war of independence in 1971.Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, of Jamaat-e-Islami, was sentenced on charges including murder, rape and torture during the war of independence in 1971.
Thursday's sentence sparked riots that have left about 60 people dead.Thursday's sentence sparked riots that have left about 60 people dead.
The Islamists say the tribunal is politically motivated, something the Bangladesh government denies.The Islamists say the tribunal is politically motivated, something the Bangladesh government denies.
Jamaat-e-Islami called a two-day strike across the country, beginning on Sunday, in protest at the court ruling.Jamaat-e-Islami called a two-day strike across the country, beginning on Sunday, in protest at the court ruling.
Everyone expected some sort of a backlash after the verdict against Delwar Hossain Sayedee, vice president of the Jamaat-e-Islami, but the intensity of the violence and the increasing casualty figures have surprised and shocked many people.
Some believe that as Jamaat is fighting for its survival it is bound to intensify its protests. The rallies have now moved to various districts and in some places the police were outnumbered. A few policemen were beaten to death. It is difficult for the the authorities to despatch officers and border guards to every corner of the country.
I visited a few villages near Chittagong where the situation is tense and Jamaat supporters are angry with the ruling Awami League party.
Very few will disagree that the ongoing war crimes trial has divided the nation. But there is no doubt that majority of the people want the trial to go on.
Just 10 days ago the government was indirectly benefitting from the Shahbagh Square protests, which were demanding the death penalty for alleged war criminals. But a week is too long in politics. The coming weeks will be a big challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is known to be tough, resilient and determined.
Troops were called in in the northern district of Bogra, where police said thousands of Jamaat activists armed with sticks and home-made bombs attacked police outposts early on Sunday.Troops were called in in the northern district of Bogra, where police said thousands of Jamaat activists armed with sticks and home-made bombs attacked police outposts early on Sunday.
At least eight people were killed and dozens hurt in clashes in the district.At least eight people were killed and dozens hurt in clashes in the district.
There were at least two further deaths in the north-western town of Godagari.There were at least two further deaths in the north-western town of Godagari.
Border guards and police opened fire on protesters who were attacking police with sticks and stones, an official told the news agency AFP.Border guards and police opened fire on protesters who were attacking police with sticks and stones, an official told the news agency AFP.
And another three people died in the Joypurhar district, the Daily Star newspaper said.And another three people died in the Joypurhar district, the Daily Star newspaper said.
The BBC's Anbarasan Ethirajan in the southern city of Chittagong says there has been no let up in the violence since the death sentence was issued.The BBC's Anbarasan Ethirajan in the southern city of Chittagong says there has been no let up in the violence since the death sentence was issued.
Police have fought pitched battles with supporters of the Islamist party in many parts of the country.Police have fought pitched battles with supporters of the Islamist party in many parts of the country.
Three people were killed in Chittagong on Saturday and Jamaat-e-Islami has accused the police of firing without provocation.Three people were killed in Chittagong on Saturday and Jamaat-e-Islami has accused the police of firing without provocation.
The Bangladeshi government rejected the criticism, saying violence against civilians and police officers would not be tolerated.The Bangladeshi government rejected the criticism, saying violence against civilians and police officers would not be tolerated.
'Very afraid''Very afraid'
In the capital, Dhaka, on Saturday, activists clashed with riot police, who used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse them.In the capital, Dhaka, on Saturday, activists clashed with riot police, who used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse them.
One of the city's residents, Jahangir Alam, told the BBC he had seen a bus burning on the street.One of the city's residents, Jahangir Alam, told the BBC he had seen a bus burning on the street.
"The police were trying to control the situation, but they were having stones and other objects throw at them," he said."The police were trying to control the situation, but they were having stones and other objects throw at them," he said.
"People in the street are very, very afraid of Jamaat-e-Islam. I am scared. Evening time is the worst; from 7pm to 9pm it is very dangerous in the street.""People in the street are very, very afraid of Jamaat-e-Islam. I am scared. Evening time is the worst; from 7pm to 9pm it is very dangerous in the street."
Our correspondent says the intensity of the backlash against the sentences has surprised many in Bangladesh, and security forces are struggling to bring the situation under control as it is difficult to predict which districts the violence will spread to.Our correspondent says the intensity of the backlash against the sentences has surprised many in Bangladesh, and security forces are struggling to bring the situation under control as it is difficult to predict which districts the violence will spread to.
The streets of the capital remain largely calm as the strike takes effect, although roads are empty and businesses closed in many parts of the country, with people are staying indoors for fear of more violence, he says.The streets of the capital remain largely calm as the strike takes effect, although roads are empty and businesses closed in many parts of the country, with people are staying indoors for fear of more violence, he says.
The US has expressed concern about the violence and has appealed for the protests to be peaceful.The US has expressed concern about the violence and has appealed for the protests to be peaceful.
The special war crimes tribunal is trying those accused of collaborating with Pakistani forces and committing atrocities during the country's independence war in 1971.The special war crimes tribunal is trying those accused of collaborating with Pakistani forces and committing atrocities during the country's independence war in 1971.
The tribunal is trying a total of nine Jamaat leaders and two members of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The BNP has also called for a nationwide strike, to take place on Tuesday.The tribunal is trying a total of nine Jamaat leaders and two members of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The BNP has also called for a nationwide strike, to take place on Tuesday.
Earlier this month, another Jamaat leader, Abdul Kader Mullah, was sentenced to life for crimes against humanity.Earlier this month, another Jamaat leader, Abdul Kader Mullah, was sentenced to life for crimes against humanity.
In January, former party leader Abul Kalam Azad was found guilty in absentia of eight charges of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death.In January, former party leader Abul Kalam Azad was found guilty in absentia of eight charges of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death.
However, human rights groups have said the tribunal falls short of international standards.However, human rights groups have said the tribunal falls short of international standards.
With Jamaat threatening more protests, there are increasing concerns over political stability in the country, our correspondent says.With Jamaat threatening more protests, there are increasing concerns over political stability in the country, our correspondent says.
Are you in Bangladesh? What are your views on the protest? Please contact us using the form below.Are you in Bangladesh? What are your views on the protest? Please contact us using the form below.