Security tightened in Bangladesh amid political standoff

DHAKA: With the standoff between the Bangladesh government and the opposition over next week's polls showing no sign of easing, a tight security blanket was thrown over Dhaka for a second day and transport services were halted to thwart anti-government activists from entering the city.

The capital Dhaka was effectively cut off from the rest of the country as bus, ferry and train services were suspended and roadblocks kept in place to prevent opposition BNP activists to reach the city.

Authorities placed Zia, the former prime minister, under virtual house arrest last Friday in a bid to prevent her from taking part in the 'democracy march' called by the BNP to force Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to quit and call off the January 5 elections.

They, however, allowed British High Commissioner Robert Gibson to meet Zia today for over an hour at her house. Gibson did not speak to reporters after coming out of Zia's residence.

Five sand-laden trucks have been kept in front of her house blocking the road, but one of them was moved to make way for the British envoy. It was repositioned after Gibson left.

Western countries, including the UK and the US, have been asking ruling Awami League and opposition BNP for a solution to the crisis stemming from sharp difference between the two parties over the nature of the poll-time government.

The BNP-led 18-party opposition alliance is boycotting the polls and political violence during nationwide strikes and blockades enforced by the opposition have left over 120 people dead and crippled the economy since November.

Besides the alliance, a key ally of Hasina's Awami League party has also boycotted the polls. Hasina, however, insists the vote will go ahead as planned.

Meanwhile, three top leaders of Zia's party, including vice chairman Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury, also met her for the first time since the former prime minister was placed under virtual house arrest on Friday.

Police detained three BNP women leaders, including vice chairperson Selima Rahman, when they went to meet Khaleda. They were later released.

Earlier in the day, Hasina stepped up her attack against Zia, asking her to stop killing people in the name of anti-government movement.

"You can wage anti-government agitation. But make sure people are not killed and children's education are not hampered by your movement," she said.

Hasina said there was no ban on anti-government agitation. But it would be unfortunate if the agitation was suicidal, if its purpose was to kill people, she said.

"Let the BNP-Jamaat agitate. But why [do they agitate] against the people? Killing people is no movement," she said.