Violence as Bangladesh protesters demand anti blasphemy law
(Vatican Radio) At Least 10 people were killed in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka when
police fired rubber bullets to disperse stone-throwing Islamic activists Sunday during
a protest to demand that the government enact an anti-blasphemy law. Thousands
of demonstrating activists swelled the streets of blocking roads and cutting off the
city from the rest of the country. Heading the protests were activists from Hefatjat-e-Islam,
a newly formed group, who were demanding that the government enact an anti-blasphemy
law. They say some Internet users have recently used their blogs to spread atheism
and lies about Islam. As the crowds gathered in Dhaka's Motijheel commercial district
to press for their demands the protest began to turn violent. Police say activists
started pelting security forces and that shops and vehicles were set on fire. The
clashes resulted in a number of deaths and dozens of people were injured. By this
morning police said they had managed to secure part of the city and were searching
for protesters still hiding in buildings in the Motijheel area. The government
is rejecting the groups’ demands. It’s view is that Bangladesh is governed by secular
liberal laws and that the current legislation is adequate. Listen