Bangladesh opposition says leader’s Internet, electricity cut

DHAKA, Feb. 1 (NsNewsWire) — Bangladeshi opposition activists accused the government of cutting the power, Internet and cable connections at their leader’s office on Saturday to pressure her into calling off a strike after days of violent anti-government protests.

The disconnections were reported soon after the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Khaleda, called another 72-hour strike from Sunday morning along with its ongoing blockades of roads, railways and water routes, reports Reuters.

Senior ruling party member Hassan Mahmood earlier on Saturday warned that communications at Khaleda’s office would be cut if she did not call off protests before school exams on Monday. The electricity supply has since been restored.

“We have been asked to fix the line and we have restored the connection,” an employee of the Dhaka Electric Supply Company said.

At least two crude bombs exploded on Saturday evening near Khaleda’s office in Dhaka’s diplomatic zone without causing any injuries, police and witnesses said.

An autorickshaw passenger died in the northern district of Sirajganj after opposition activists hurled fire bombs at the vehicle.