As strikes, clashes roil Bangladesh, opposition party vows to boycott polls in ‘do-or-die moment’
- Bangladesh’s opposition party will boycott January’s national polls, unless a caretaker government replaces PM Sheikh Hasina
- Critics of Hasina say her rule, since 2009, has brought in corruption, hyper-nationalism, erosion of freedoms and violence against her political rivals
Yet Murtaza, 33, said he still felt forced to join demonstrators over three days of strikes across the country, which have blocked transport in the capital, seen buses set ablaze and drawn tens of thousands to the streets.
They are demanding the resignation of Hasina, the 76-year-old prime minister who has been in charge since 2009.
At least three have been killed in clashes between demonstrators and police, according to a spokesman for the opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP), with several others – including a policeman – killed during a rally last Saturday which also descended into violence.
The party says nearly 3,000 BNP activists have been arrested since then, while Bangladesh’s police chief, Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, has warned the law will come down hard on protesters who continue to be involved in blockades and arson.
On Thursday, the final day of the strike, the opposition said it would boycott elections slated for January next year, unless a caretaker government replaces Hasina and leads the country through the polls.
“This is a do-or-die moment for us,” BNP member Murtaza said. “It’s not just about the activists and supporters (of BNP) but about the future of our country’s democracy and its people.”