Human chain demands election in Bangladesh

Thousands of opposition supporters joined hands or stood side by side Saturday to form a massive human chain across Bangladesh to demand a new government.

Organizers expected up to five million people to participate in the hour-long protest across Bangladesh to urge the government to resign and call a general election, an opposition spokesman said.

“This is a peaceful and democratic protest,” said Abdul Jalil, a top leader of the main opposition Awami League.

Police, paramilitary troops and special forces in helicopters spread out along the protest route, stretching more than 1,000 kilometres between Bangladesh’s northernmost and southernmost towns.

The Awami League and its allies have accused Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s government of corruption, incompetence and harassment of political rivals.

Zia has denied the allegations and vowed to stay in power until her government’s five-year term expires in 2006.

In the capital Dhaka, protesters crowded sidewalks in busy downtown areas, causing traffic snarls at road crossings. Riot police stood by and kept a close watch.

“This government is responsible for corruption, and rising prices and crime rates. We want this government to go so people can live in peace,” said Abdul Hakim, a doctor who joined the protest.

The protesters carried banners and placards and shouted slogans.

No violence was immediately reported, but Jalil claimed that opposition supporters were prevented by ruling party activists from joining the protest in some places. He did not give any details.

Authorities ordered the extra security to ensure law and order during the protest, the Home Ministry said.

The Awami League has organized numerous general strikes and street protests this year.