Bangladesh arrests opposition figures as unrest deepens
The Bangladeshi government has intensified its crackdown on political dissent by arresting some major opposition figures.
Police arrested a close aide to the opposition leader, Khaleda Zia, late Sunday, a move which could further deepen political tensions in the country.
Mosaddek Ali Falu, who chairs the popular NTV channel, was arrested in a police raid on his car. He is the second pro-opposition media owner arrested by police in less than a month. Bangladesh's oldest private TV station also aired an interview from Zia’s fugitive son last month which led to the arrest of its chief, Abdus Salam. The two media activists have been accused of spreading sedition in the society.
More than 50 people have been killed and around 10,000 arrested after government began a heavy-handed crackdown on political dissent in Bangladesh early last month. Some major government officials have been also arrested or gone into hiding.
The protests began on January 6, marking the first anniversary of the controversial polls which was boycotted by followers of the opposition. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) wanted the vote to be held under a natural caretaker government, a demand which Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina rejected.
This year, opposition leaders called on people across Bangladesh to block roads, railways and waterways and force the government to call for early polls.
The government on Monday officially sued Zia, accusing her and BNP of sabotage and “murder” of the people during the protests.
A senior leader of the ruling Awami League has reportedly admitted the widespread protest may cause serious problems in Bangladesh, saying the government should adopt “alternative constitutional means” to quell the rising anger.
MS/HMV/SS
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