A local Awami League leader was killed and 50 others were injured in clashes between activists of the ruling party and the Opposition on Bangladesh's Independence Day.
Police and security forces were placed on high alert for the 35th Independence Day anniversary to counter possible attacks by the banned militant outfit Jamaatul Mujaheedin Bangladesh (JMB), which triggered serial bomb blasts last year demanding establishment of Islamic rule in the country.
Officials said that after netting some top JMB leaders, there were fears that those still on the run could launch attacks on the Independence Day.
Two top JMB leaders capable of carrying out such attacks are yet to be netted along with a possible 2,000 suicide bombers, they said.
Hundreds of anti-terror policemen and special commandos were part of the security net around key installations in the capital.
A 31-gun salute heralded the day as President Iajuddin Ahmed and Prime Minister Khaleda Zia placed wreaths at a memorial in nearby Savar area in memory of the war martyrs.