[JURIST] The Bangladesh High Court [official website] on Sunday ordered the government to take “effective action” to quash ongoing protests that have left more than 100 people dead. The protests have been led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalistic Party (BNP), since January 5, when an indefinite transport blockade was called on the anniversary of the previous election. The court also ordered the government to take action [Z News report] against a blockade that has interfered with the Secondary School Certificate examinations four times. Last week the government warned [Outlook India report] protesters that they would begin using stringent anti-terrorism measures to stop the protests, including death sentences for throwing bombs on vehicles.

Bangladesh has been marked by considerable violence since the BNP boycotted the national elections last year. Zia, along with 55 other people, was charged [JURIST report] earlier this month for instigating an arson attack on a bus. The attack killed seven people and wounded 15. Last month the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights [official website] expressed concern [JURIST report] over the increasing political violence in Bangladesh. Also last month Bangladesh police arrested [JURIST report] Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the secretary general of the BNP, on counts of arson, bombings and vandalism in connection to the protests. Last April the Bangladesh High Court ruled that Zia must stand trial on corruption charges [JURIST report].