Date:04/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/04/stories/2006020404651500.htm

International

Mass arrests in Bangladesh

DHAKA: Bangladesh's main Opposition alliance said on Friday police had arrested more than a thousand activists in nationwide raids ahead of an anti-government rally planned for the weekend. The Awami League and 13 allied parties have been urging supporters to join the Opposition demonstration on Sunday in Dhaka to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's coalition government, accusing it of incompetence, corruption and authoritarianism. But Awami League's general secretary said police had been working to curb the rally. — AP