Bangladesh police clash with protesters demanding election delay

DHAKA, Bangladesh -- Thousands of protesters fought riot police in the capital Tuesday, throwing stones, bricks and homemade bombs as a crippling blockade to force the postponement of elections stretched into a third day, witnesses and reports said.

Police used batons and fired rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters who tried to overrun barbed-wire barricades erected around the downtown presidential palace.

Troops raise concerns

Army troops joined police in manning the barricades, but they did not intervene, witnesses said.

But the mere presence of troops raised concerns in a country with a history of military rule. Bangladesh spent 15 years under military rule since gaining independence from Pakistan in 1971. It has witnessed two presidents slain in military coups and 19 other failed coup attempts.

The protesters belonged to a 19-party political alliance that opposes the Jan. 22 election and has vowed to boycott it.

The alliance planned to hold a rally today at a soccer field in Dhaka, walking distance from the presidential palace, to announce a new series of street protests, an alliance statement said.

Media reports have said nonstop blockades on election day could be announced at the rally.

Some major city roads toward the rally venue will remain off-limits to traffic today to maintain order, police said late Tuesday.

On Tuesday, the protesters also hurled several handmade bombs -- small tin pots filled with explosives -- at security forces, witnesses said.

The clashes left at least 100 people injured, including police, ATN Bangla TV station reported. Dozens of protesters were detained. The exact number of wounded or detainees could not be immediately confirmed.

Hundreds of other activists, police and security forces were wounded Sunday and Monday, the first two days of a nationwide transport blockade.

Seeking problem-free list

The alliance -- led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina -- has alleged the voters' list for the election has flaws, including fake names. The group wants the poll delayed until a problem-free list is available.

To press its demands, the alliance blocked roads, railways and river routes Sunday to Tuesday to isolate Dhaka from the rest of the country.

Only a few buses, three-wheel taxis and pedal rickshaws were left to provide transport for the capital's 10 million residents.

Security forces had cordoned off the official residence of the interim leader, President Iajuddin Ahmed, after protesters vowed to lay siege to the building. Authorities earlier banned protests in the area.

Despite heavy security and the ban, thousands of demonstrators poured into downtown Dhaka close to the presidential palace.

Pro-alliance dockworkers also stopped activities Tuesday at the main sea port of Chittagong, disrupting delivery of goods to the rest of the country.

The most violent clashes occurred Monday in Dhaka and its adjoining areas. Police used tear gas, rubber bullets and batons to disperse thousands of protesters. At least 300 people, including several police, were injured, the United News of Bangladesh reported.

Police declined to comment on injuries.

Election officials and Ahmed have said the election date cannot be changed.

The constitution requires the interim government to hold polls within 90 days from Oct. 29, the day it took office when former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's five-year term expired.

On Monday, U.S. Ambassador Patricia Butenis urged Bangladesh leaders to try to resolve impasse.

"We have difficulty finding a one-sided election credible," Butenis said.