Bangladesh Opposition Leaders Charged

Police said Saturday they had filed criminal charges against prominent opposition leader Khaleda Zia and nine others for their involvement in an anti-government demonstration Thursday. Police said the leaders were charged with “attempt to murder, rioting and assault on public servants.”

Officials said the other opposition leaders charged included former Speaker of Parliament Mirza Golam Hafiz; Bangladesh Nationalist Party leaders Abul Hasnat and retired Wing Cmdr. Hamidullah, Rafiqul Islam, and Abdul Matin Chowdhury. More than 30 demonstrators and 10 policemen were injured during Thursday’s demonstration and clash.