| Opposition activists have brought many towns and cities in Bangladesh to a halt, the day after 18 people died in explosions at a political rally. Sheikh Hasina, who heads the opposition Awami League, escaped slightly hurt after an attack while she was speaking. About 200 people were injured by the grenade blasts at the rally in Dhaka. Awami League supporters accused the government of being behind what they called an assassination attempt, a charge the government denies. The calm follows overnight clashes between opposition supporters and police, when angry crowds set fire to buildings and cars and were beaten back by police. But the Associated Press news agency reports that a mob in the centre of the country set a train on fire amidst the protests. There has been no confirmation or word of casualties. |