Opposition parties in Bangladesh are holding a one-day strike to protest a deadly attack on an opposition rally and to press the government to resign.
Witnesses say shops were shut in the capital, Dhaka, Sunday and most vehicles stayed off the roads. Security was tight as riot police and special forces took up positions to prevent any outbreak of violence.
An August 21 grenade attack on a rally of the opposition Awami League killed 21 people and injured more than 300. Opposition parties accuse the government of not providing adequate security at the rally and not doing enough to catch the culprits.
The government of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia denies the allegations and refuses to step down before completing its five-year term.