Violent demonstrations erupted across country after govt 13 Nov evicted opposition BNP party leader Khaleda Zia from her home. At least 100 injured as protesters clashed with police; 3 killed in 13 Nov Khustia suicide attack on ruling AL party MP Afaz Uddin’s residence, but Uddin unharmed. BNP 28 Nov claimed govt arrested some 1,100 of its members ahead of BNP-called national strike 30 Nov, which passed without violent incident. 2 small bombs exploded outside residence of Chief Justice A.B.M. Khairul Haq 18 Nov; no injuries.

In continued crackdown on militants, police early month arrested 3 Lashkar-e-Taiba members in Dhaka.

President Rahman 7 Sept pardoned 20 members of ruling Awami League on death row over 2006 murder of opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) activist; criticised by BNP.

Govt-backed tribunal 2 Aug  sentenced  4 top Jamaat-e-Islami party leaders to prison for “war crimes” committed during 1971 independence war. 14 ex-BDR border guards 2 Aug convicted to up to 6 years in prison over role in Feb 2009 mutiny; 215 BDR members in total now jailed. Govt 20 Aug cancelled parole of opposition party BNP leader Khaleda Zia’s son, wanted since Dec 2007 for graft; BNP called for nationwide protests.

Govt 14 July arrested 2 top Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) party leaders for alleged war crimes committed during 1971 independence war; JI claims govt trying to cripple its leadership, with 3 other JI leaders held late June on various charges. Govt 13 July restructured BDR border force, responsible for Feb 2009 mutiny, renamed Border Guard Bangladesh; further 801 BDR soldiers charged 12 July with crimes committed during mutiny, including murder. Supreme Court 18 July lifted ban on pro-opposition newspaper, imposed by govt June.

Main opposition parties BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami 27 June called anti-govt general strike, first since 2007; tens of thousands protested across country, violent clashes with police. BNP mid-month extended boycott of parliament. Media watchdogs, opposition criticised govt 2 June shutting down pro-BNP newspaper, arresting editor on sedition charges. Surprise victory for BNP candidate in 2nd city Chittagong mayoral elections, first key position lost by ruling AL party since entering govt Dec 2008.

Police 25 May detained head of Islamist group Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh. 9 BDR border guards sentenced up to 7 years prison 2 May for involvement in Feb 2009 BDR mutiny; followed Apr sentencing of 192.

In first convictions since Feb 2009 BDR border patrol force mutiny, courts sentenced 29 BDR members 7 April, 57 members 18 April to up to 7 seven years prison; some 3,500 members still on trial. Police 20 Apr arrested head of Hizb ut-Tahrir militant group.

Human Rights Watch 17 March said hundreds of BDR border patrol force members still detained without charge following Feb 2009 mutiny, expressed concern over alleged torture and death of some 60 detainees.

Police 12 Feb detained some 300 suspected Jamaat-e-Islami militants after early month clashes between rival political student groups left at least 2 dead; dozens injured following violent Dhaka protests. Main opposition party BNP returned to parliament 13 Feb, ending boycott in effect since June 2009.