An opposition-led strike aimed at forcing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina out of power paralysed most of Bangladesh for a second day, on Monday and police are bracing for more violence after weekend clashes. Police said security had been tightened after one man was killed and over 200 were injured in widespread strike-related violence.

The three-day strike called by opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia and her student followers took hold early on Sunday and is due to end on Tuesday evening. Khaleda, head of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a four-party alliance, called the strike to give what she said was a final blow to Hasina, who ignored an Opposition deadline to resign in March to make way for a general election.

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Hasina said she would rule till her current term expires on July 13.
The strike disrupted the country's main port in Chittagong, halted trade on stock exchange and stopped most road transport. Police said that they had no reports of any violence on Monday.

Business leaders say the strike costs Bangladesh 66 million each day in lost production and exports.
There have been dozens of strikes in recent years, many of which have led to violence, hurting the economy and investor sentiment. Bureau Report