Thousands of Bangladeshi supporters of the largest opposition party demonstrated in Dhaka to denounce the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid and demand new elections.
The demonstrators chanted “Sheikha Hasina is a voice stealer” as they gathered at the Gulabay sports stadium where the demonstration was taking place, while large numbers of demonstrators poured in from various surrounding streets.
Tensions in the capital escalated after security forces stormed the headquarters of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party last Tuesday, killing one person and injuring dozens.
Two party leaders were arrested on charges of inciting violence, and the party said, “About 2,000 activists and supporters have been arrested since November 30 to prevent a demonstration from being organized.
Western governments and the United Nations have expressed concern about the political climate in Bangladesh, which is one of the fastest growing economies in Asia.
The country has long been a US ally, but in recent years Sheikh Hasina has strengthened ties with China, which has funded a number of multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects.
