Blasts, arrests mark Bangladesh general strike

Activists in Bangladesh's capital have detonated several homemade bombs and torched at least one bus during an opposition-sponsored general strike. No injuries have been reported.

Activists in Bangladesh's capital have detonated several homemade bombs and torched at least one bus during an opposition-sponsored general strike. No injuries have been reported.

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The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its 17 partners were enforcing Monday's shutdown, which is aimed at securing the release of 154 opposition leaders and activists detained this month.

Those detained are facing charges of attacking police and creating chaos during an anti-government rally on March 11.

Officials say eight more opposition activists were detained on Monday after bombs exploded in parts of the capital. Thousands of security officials have been deployed across Dhaka to ensure order during the strike.