Islamist Protesters Clash With Police in Bangladesh, At Least 4 Dead

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2013-05-06

Thousands of hardline Muslims demanding new anti-blasphemy laws in Bangladesh fought running battles with police, in the capital, Dhaka, Sunday, leaving at least four people dead and more than 50 others injured.

Police said clashes broke out in the central city when activists began pelting police with stones and officers responded with rubber bullets. Local media said at least 15 crude bombs exploded near the ruling Awami League's headquarters.

There also were reports of blocked roads, burned shops and dozens of vehicles set on fire.

Protester demands from the newly formed Hifazat-e-Islam group come in response to what hardliners claim is a group of local "atheist" Internet bloggers they accuse of insulting Islam.

The group has authored a 13-point list of demands, including an end to what it calls "the godless education system," and new laws prohibiting the unrestrained public mixing of men and women. It also wants a ban on the construction of monuments and statues in the country, and a curtailment of women's rights.

The government in the Muslim-majority country has rejected the demands, saying Bangladesh is governed by secular law.

Source: Voice of America

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