At least ten people were killed and more than 60 injured when Islamist protesters fought pitched battles with police in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on Sunday, local media reported.
Police used stun grenades and rubber bullets to break up protests organized by Hefazat-e Islam calling for an Islamic constitution for the impoverished South Asian country.
There were running battles throughout Sunday and into Monday in the capital's central business district where at least half a million Islamists gathered to press their demand.
Rioters set fire to shops and vehicles, and a police spokesman said early on Monday that police had secured the business district and were searching for protesters hiding in nearby buildings.
The area around the city center's largest mosque had turned into a battleground as police retaliated to stone-throwing rioters with tear gas, stun grenades, rubber bullets and truncheons.
According to the local media, rampaging Islamists blocked main roads, isolating Dhaka from other parts of the country. They hired at least 3,000 vehicles, including buses, lorries and minibuses to bring protesters into the capital, while others reached the city by train.
Earlier this year, Islamists protesting the death sentence given to a leader of an Opposition party had unleashed violence claiming several lives.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Business News
December 12, 2025 15:14 ET Central bank decisions dominated the economic news flow this week led by the Federal Reserve. Trade data from the U.S. also gained attention. The Canadian and Swiss central banks also announced their interest rate decisions. Inflation data from China was in focus as the country released the latest consumer price and producer price data.