Dhaka, June 19: Life in the capital and rest of Bangladesh was partially affected today after a call for a half-day strike by opposition parties to protest the killing of a prominent student leader early this week. The strike, called by the Bangladesh Chhatra League, student wing of the main opposition Awami League, forced closure of educational institutions, most private business establishments, markets and shops. Long distance buses, private cars and trucks remained off the road.

Authorities described the strike as "generally peaceful," with some stray incidents of clashes between protesters and police being reported in the Bangladeshi capital.
At least three persons, including the vice president of the BCL were arrested here, police sources said.
According to reports reaching here, three persons including Awami League Member of Parliament Abdul Hye were stabbed while leading anti-government procession in western Jhenaidah district.
Security was beefed up in capital Dhaka in view of visits by international leaders like US Secretary of State Colin Powell and Indonesian president Megawati Soekarnoputri.
The strike was called off just an hour before Powell his five-hour visit to Bangladesh.
The BCL gave the countrywide strike call to protest the killing of its top leader S R Palash by unknown assailants on June 12. Bureau Report