Tensions are flaring in Bangledesh, where police and military troops attacked protestors with batons, rubber bullets and tear gas as a three-day transportation blockade was launched Sunday. The demonstrations were organized by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and his Awami alliance to protest the interim government’s handling of the upcoming national elections. The alliance accuses the interim government of rigging the voter rolls in favor of Hasina's opponents and wants the election delayed until a more neutral, caretaker government can be installed. But interim president Iajuddin Ahmed maintains his hands are tied, as the constitution requires elections to be held by January 22nd.

Early Monday morning Bangladesh time, FSRN spoke to Zahid Newaz Khan, city editor for Radio Podey. Zahid Newaz Khan is in Dakha, the Capitol of Bangladesh. He described what happened during the first day of the blockade.

ZNK: The first day, Awami Alliance started a 72 hour blockade Sunday. The Alliance clashed with police in different areas and scores of people have minor injuries. Activities at the ports remain suspended. The transport and communications between Dakha and other parts of the country remain flat. Military patrol the city and streets . . .

FSRN: Can you talk about the military and police presence. You mentioned people were injured, how were they injured?

ZNK: The police conducted house to house raids before the blockade starts and picked up over 3,000 people. Also, I saw military patrolling streets in different parts of the city. I found elite battalion checking people on the streets and the Alliance asked the military not to act at the directive of the advisor of the interim government. The alliance and human rights groups say it’s mass arrests and there is an order from the high court that no go government with mass arrest.

FSRN: And the blockade is supposed to continue all day Monday, is that correct?

ZNK: Yes, Monday and Tuesday. But the Alliance also announced that on the last day of the blockade, they will lay siege to the Presidential Palance and on January 10, they will hold a grand rally announce a new course of action program.

That was Zahid Newaz Khan from Radio Podey speaking to FSRN from Dhaka, Bangledesh. The Awami Alliance and its allies have vowed to continue the blockade, boycott the polls and withdraw more than 2000 candidates if the interim president refuses to step down and postpone the January 22 elections.