Bangladesh imposes curfew after three days of student riots

Bangladesh's military-backed government imposed a curfew on the night of Aug. 22 on the country's largest cities, including the capital, Dhaka, following three days of rioting by students demanding an end to emergency rule. Foot soldiers and troop carriers with mounted guns patrolled the streets, forcing millions of people to stay at home, after the first real challenge to the interim government's authority since it took power in January. The administration has sealed off streets and cut phone lines, in measures that officials said would last "indefinitely." Commuters jammed buses and cars in a rush to reach home before the start of the curfew in Dhaka. Thousands who couldn't find transport simply walked. There were also signs of panic buying in the city. Residents crowded shopping centers to buy essential supplies, and there were lines at gas stations. The unrest began on Aug. 20 when students from the University of Dhaka demanded the removal of an army post from their campus, sparking violent clashes that left more than 300 people injured and at least one person dead. Police used tear gas to disperse protesters in the capital who had set alight buses and cars. One man was killed in the north-west of the country after students tried to burn down the university vice-chancellor's home. Hundreds are believed to have been injured by police baton charges. Stone-throwing and stick-wielding students have fought pitched battles with police, reducing a military vehicle to ash and dozens of cars damaged. The soldiers withdrew on Aug. 21, but the protests continued, spilling onto the streets of Dhaka and attracting slum-dwellers and shopkeepers. Many feel that the interim government, which declared a state of emergency in January, has overplayed its hand in recent months -- notably by taking former prime ministers into custody on charges of corruption. The former prime minister, Khaleda Zia, faces tax evasion charges, which she has repeatedly denied. There is little sign of the promised elections and no poll date has been announced. However, the Election Commission has said the polls will be held near the end of 2008. After the army seized power in January, hand-picking a government of technocrats, all street assemblies have been prohibited. The government was quick to defend the curfew saying that it had been forced to act to "protect public life and property." The law and information adviser, Mainul Hosein, told Associated Press that officials hoped "the measure will help restore normalcy." The decision was made at a meeting of leaders of the interim government and military, he added.