Security tight as general strike ties up Bangladesh

AP , DHAKA, BANGLADESH
Monday, May 10, 2004,Page 5

Thousands of security forces patrolled the streets in the capital Dhaka and nearby Tongi town yesterday as a general strike called to protest the slaying of an opposition lawmaker brought Bangladesh to a near standstill.

Gunmen opened fire at an opposition rally in Tongi on Friday, killing Ahsanullah Master, a lawmaker from the country's main opposition Awami League.

The strike is part of three days of action called by the opposition party to protest Master's death, which they blame on government supporters. Authorities suspect his death may be linked to an internal party feud.

The nationwide dawn-to-dusk strike shut down schools and shops in Dhaka, a city of 10 million people. Streets were empty of traffic except a few state-run buses and rickshaws.

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