Hundreds of working professionals gathered in Dhaka to protest against alleged 'militant activities' by political activists during a countrywide strike and blockade called by the opposition, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
People in large numbers gathered with banners and placards showing photographs of a burnt bus and injured victims as a mark of protest.
At least 34 people have died in Bangladesh and scores have been injured, most of them in firebomb attacks, amid rising political unrest fuelled by a stand-off between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the main opposition leader.
The renewed political turmoil could cause a delay in shipments by the country's 24-billion dollar garment industry, already under pressure after a string of fatal accidents.
Chief of BNP and former Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia, whose party boycotted the election on January 5 last year, has demanded that Hasina and her government step down for a new vote under a caretaker administration.
Hasina has refused, instead tightening her grip by arresting key opposition leaders and clamping down on critical media as anti-government protests spread. The violence has worsened sharply since January 5, the first anniversary of the vote.
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Protester demanded arrest of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and an end to 'militant activities' in Bangladesh stating that she has been instigating criminal action leading to deaths and injuries as a result of violence.
"People are dying out of arson attack. The life is stalemate. We are in a stalemate and it has to be broken and that's why in protests of that we have stood here today to place our demand that we want the guarantee of living our normal life in this country and not to be victims of these politicians," said a drama artist, Hasan Masood, while protesting.
Police said at least 25 people have died in arson attacks, including two on Friday. Eight more were killed in clashes with police, and one died following injuries from a crude bomb blast.
People from all spheres of life, including journalists, writers, doctors, lawyers and members of religious community join the rally shouting slogans against Zia and BNP.
Veteran film artist, Syed Hasan Imam, demanded justice for victims of such political activities.
"Politicians who are killing people, burning people we are against it. We are for democracy and we are here to protest against these killing activities by the political activist who are against liberation during our 1971 liberation period," said Imam.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the government to take tough legal measures against those responsible for the violence unleashed amid the countrywide blockade.
The opposition called for a 36-hour countrywide strike from January 18 morning to protest against the arrests and "oppression" of its leaders during an indefinite transport blockade it launched.
Khaleda called the blockade after she was prevented from holding a mass rally in Dhaka on the January 05 anniversary.