Friday, April 14 2006 12:09 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Dhaka: The Bangladesh opposition has called for a one-day nationwide general strike next week after six people were killed in clashes with police during protests over power shortage.

The 14-party opposition alliance led by the Awami League party of Sheikh Hasina Wajed said the strike would be enforced April 20 to protest the killings and police harassment.

State Minister for Home Lutfuzzaman Babor said he regretted the deaths but the government feels that all problems could be solved through talks.

Kansat village has been the scene of violence for several months and with Wednesday's death the toll stood at 19 since the start of the campaign.

Media reports said police also raided homes in random to seek out troublemakers in Kansat in western Chapainawabganj district.

Government officials said the demands of the Kansat residents have been met.

But the villagers have gone on a war-footing after the deaths in police shootout and the situation remained tense today (Apr 14, 2006).