The World - News from March 3, 1988

Bangladesh government and opposition supporters clashed in Dhaka and other cities during a general strike called in an effort to disrupt today’s election. Nearly 47 million people will be eligible to vote for 281 seats being contested in the 330-member Parliament. But a coalition of 21 opposition parties is boycotting the vote, charging that no fair election can be held under President Hussain Mohammed Ershad and demanding his resignation. Dozens of people were injured as homemade bombs exploded and rival factions fought during a 36-hour work stoppage.