12 Killed in Dhaka Street Battles

Police fired tear gas and bullets at thousands of rock-hurling protesters today in daylong street battles in the heart of Dhaka during protests aimed at forcing out President Hussain Mohammed Ershad. The government said three people were killed, but government opponents said 12 people died and scores were injured.

Officials at Dhaka Medical College Hospital said about 50 people were treated for gunshot wounds and injuries from bomb fragments and beatings. The violence came during the “Dhaka siege,” a day of general strikes and mass protests called by opposition leaders who want Ershad to resign.