CHRONOLOGY-Bangladesh's political crisis
Source: Reuters
Jan. 11 (Reuters) - Bangladesh has declared a state of emergency and imposed a daily night-time curfew, state television said on Thursday. Here is a chronology of the political turmoil that has gripped the South Asian nation since late 2006: Oct. 28, 2006 - Prime Minister Khaleda Zia steps down after her term ends, but political parties clash over the appointment of a caretaker government in which at least 25 people are killed. Oct. 29 - President Iajuddin Ahmed is sworn in as head of the caretaker administration. A 14-party opposition alliance led by the Awami League give him until Nov. 3 to "prove" his neutrality. Nov. 12 - A transport blockade begins as the 14-party alliance steps up its campaign to force the removal of controversial election officials. Nov. 23 - Chief election commissioner M.A. Aziz, accused by the opposition of bias, temporarily steps aside; blockade lifted. Nov. 27 - The election commission sets Jan. 21, 2007, as the date for parliamentary polls. The Awami alliance rejects the schedule. Nov. 28 - Activists set fire to five election commission offices as the Awami League begins a new campaign to force the removal of election officials. Dec. 4 - The interim government asks the election commission to set a new election date and clean up the rolls of voters. The blockade is lifted the next day, and on Dec. 7 the election commission sets a new election date. Jan. 3, 2007 - Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Awami League, says her alliance will boycott the Jan. 22 elections. Jan. 7 - The Hasina-led alliance begins a three-day transport blockade to scuttle elections; dozens are injured in clashes. Jan. 11 - The president declares a state of emergency and imposes a daily night-time curfew. Source: Reuters
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