Battle in Dhaka - Demand the death penalty for those who insult Islam

Police in Bangladesh have used tear gas and rubber bullets in a clash with conservative Islamist protesters in the capital Dhaka.

Thousands of activists from Hefajat-e-Islam blocked highways, isolating Dhaka from other parts of the country.

Demands included the death penalty for those who insult Islam and greater segregation of men and women.

Their opposition to a national development policy for women angered women's groups.

The movement draws its strength from the country's madrassahs or religious schools.

But the government, which describes Bangladesh as a secular democracy, has rejected its demands.
Source: BBC

Posted by Saman Jayasekara 5/05/2013