Bangladeshi gov´t declares curfew against escalation of violence

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Source: CCTV.com | 08-23-2007 08:49

Bangladeshi students shout slogans during a demonstration at Dhaka university. Bangladesh's military-backed government, facing its first major challenge since taking office in January, has imposed an indefinite curfew after violent student clashes that left one man dead.(AFP/Adi Shah)

The Bangladeshi government is enforcing a curfew in the headquarters of six divisions including the capital Dhaka. It's aimed to quell escalating student unrest. The government says the curfew will start on Wednesday evening and will continue until further orders are given.

The violence started on Monday night. It began when an argument broke out between the army and students at Dhaka University as they watched a football match. The students protested against the military's beating of students.

Violence has since escalated. On Wednesday, thousands of college and university students joined forces in a general strike.

They demanded an apology from Army Chief Gen Moeen U Ahmed and the withdrawal of military troops on campus.

The government has pulled out an army camp that was established after the state of emergency was declared from the campus on Wednesday.

One person has already died and about 300 others have been injured in violence in Dhaka and across Bangladesh.

Officials say the curfew is to maintain peace and protect public life and property.

The government has shut down all universities and colleges in headquarters of the six divisions and students have been asked to vacate dormitories.

It's the first major violence in the country since a state of emergency was declared by President Iajuddin Ahmed in January.

Editor:Du Xiaodan