Bangladesh: Thousands of anti-govt. protesters rally in Dhaka

Thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Dhaka on Friday, demanding the resignation of Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and his ruling party, the Awami League.

Footage shows supporters of dozens of parties, including the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), marching with large banners and chanting during the mass rally. 

According to local media reports, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and standing committee member Mirza Abbas were leading the procession. 

In recent weeks, tens of thousands demonstrated across the country to call for Hasina to step down and the next general election, due in January 2024, to be held under a neutral caretaker government. 

Opposition parties, including the BNP, have accused the Awami League government of vote rigging in national elections held in 2014 and 2018. Hasina has denied these allegations. The BNP also boycotted the 2014 vote.

MG