2 die in Bangladesh protests as opposition rejects date for national election

DHAKA, Bangladesh – Police have clashed with opposition supporters demanding that the Bangladesh government drop a plan to hold general elections on Jan. 5 in the latest round of political violence in the country.

Police and TV stations say at least two people have died in the violence since late Monday when authorities announced the election date.

Opposition parties on Tuesday morning begun enforcing a 48-hour nationwide road blockade called to denounce the decision. The opposition wants Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to quit and form a caretaker government with people from outside political parties to oversee the vote.

Hasina has rejected that and earlier this month formed what she calls an all-party government to oversee the polls.

More than 30 people have died in recent weeks in political violence.