DHAKA, Reuter: Major opposition leaders today accused Bangladesh President Hussain Mohammad Ershad of trying to “precipitate crisis” by cracking down on the opposition ahead of next week’s Presidential election.
‘Sheikh Hasina and Begum Khaleda Zia warned that such action could result in a bloody showdown.
“The crackdown on the opposition over the last few days is an attempt by the President to precipitate crisis and it could result in a bloody showdown”, they said in separate statements,
Police fired tear gas and arrested 13 activists to stop opposition rallies called to protest against the Presidential election.
Khaleda, leader of seven party alliances, alleged that police turned her out of northern town of Mymen Singh where she had gone to address a rally.
Officials said the tear gas canisters were fired after Khaleda’s supporters became unruly and started stoning police.
“It clearly proves that he (Ershad) is trying to meet his political challenge with physical forces,” Khaleda later told Reporters.
Ershad last week issued a martial law decree banning all activity against the election in which he is running as a major candidate.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 17, 1986
