Sporadic violence continues

Strikers have torched a vehicle, exploded several handmade bombs in capital Dhaka as the opposition alliance’s 36-hour nationwide shutdown demanding release of its top leaders continued on the second day.

Police said Islami Chhatra Shibir activists took out a procession and set fire to a truck at Kadamtali around 7am.
Assistant Commissioner of Jatrabarhi police zone Md Minhajul Islam said locals promptly controlled the fire.
Around the same time, pro-BNP Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal activists reportedly brought out processions at Bijoy Sarani and Saat Raasta More. They exploded several home-made bombs, police said.

Tejgaon police SI Manoj Kanti said police chased the strikers and detained one from the scene.

Chhatra Dal activists tried to block street at Uttara by pouring petrol to start a fire. Several of them were also seen trying to damage vehicles by banging them with sticks.Vehicles were out in good numbers on the city streets on Wednesday. However, long distance buses have remained grounded though train and launch services were normal.

Police have taken position at key points of the city.

Despite much precaution, the first day of the shutdown was marked by string of explosions in the capital.

A bomb exploded at the premises of the Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court.

Mobile courts have sentenced 11 persons including several female picketers to various terms in jail on charges of vandalism.

BNP chief’s Advisor Shamsuzzaman Dudu on Tuesday alleged police had detained over 170 opposition activists across Bangladesh and more than 290 supporters were injured in ‘police actions.

Dudu came to limelight after the arrest of party’s top leaders including Acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. He has been handling the media and announcing protest plans.

The shutdown was called minutes after a Dhaka court had refused bail to seven BNP leaders on Sunday.

The party had enforced 36-hour shutdowns thrice in the last two months -- on Mar 17-18, 27-28 and Apr 9-10.