Violent clashes claim two lives across Bangladesh

Police in Bangladesh have clashed with protesters calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, killing at least two demonstrators and injuring more than three dozen.

The clashes came at the start of a fresh three-day strike called by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Supporters of BNP leader Khaleda Zia hurled stones and exploded crude bombs as they clashed with security forces in the capital city, Dhaka. The BNP-led 18-party opposition alliance also enforced a shutdown from 6 a.m. across several cities in Bangladesh.

Separate incidents of violence and arson were reported in several towns across the South Asian country , including Natore, Rajshahi, Comilla and Bogra.

Authorities deployed thousands of additional police and paramilitary troops countrywide to prevent any untoward incident.

The BNP and its allies have branded the current government illegal saying a neutral caretaker government must be set up ahead of the January elections.

Premier Hasina has scrapped the caretaker system and instead proposed an all-party interim government led by herself to oversee the polls. She also insists that the caretaker government is against the spirit of democracy and the forthcoming election should be held under her Awami League-led incumbent government.

Zia and her allies argue that the present government must resign before the general election in January 2014.

Analysts believe if a compromise on the issue of the caretaker government is not reached soon, there could be more widespread violence.

About two dozen people have been killed since the opposition began its protests last month.

The nation has a long history of political violence but this year has been the deadliest since Bangladesh gained independence in 1971. More than 150 people have been killed in clashes with police since the beginning of this year.

Bangladesh has experienced a turbulent history marred by military coups, bloody turmoil and natural catastrophes.