Dhaka: Normal life in the capital city and elsewhere in Bangladesh was disrupted today (Apr 28, 2004) as the two-day dawn-to-dusk bandh called by the Opposition Awami League began amidst tight security.

The bandh call, supported by various other Opposition parties like Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, was given to accelerate the Opposition agitation to oust the Khaleda Zia-led Government and hold early elections.

More than 8,000 security personnel in riot gears were patrolling the streets of Dhaka and have been ordered to take tough action against Opposition leaders and activists trying to take out demonstrations.

Very few buses and other vehicles were seen on the streets causing hardship to commuters. However, the strike did not affect trains, river ferries and flights, officials said.

Police has been deployed in several key installations and the Awami League office in the capital has been cordoned off, police sources said.

Accusing the Government of corruption, incompetence and harrassment of political opponents, Awami League, the country's main Opposition, has asked Khaleda Zia Government to quit by April 30.