B’desh arrests top oppn leader amid anti-govt protests

Clashes between supporters of Bangladesh’s main opposition party, the BNP, and the ruling Awami League have resulted in three deaths. The clashes occurred during a nationwide general strike called by the BNP to protest police action at a rally. Several buses were damaged or set on fire, and there have been numerous arrests of BNP leaders and activists. The BNP has now called for a countrywide blockade in response to the violence. International observers, including the EU and the US, have condemned the violence and called for restraint.