Ruling BNP agreed electoral reform talks with opposition after series of opposition rallies in Dhaka turned violent. Opposition parties reject nomination of Former Chief Justice KM Hasan to head constitutionally required interim administration ahead of January 2007 elections, claiming former member of ruling BNP not “impartial”. Tens of thousands of opposition supporters rallied in Dhaka 18 and 21 September; Awami League head Sheikh Hasina promised nonstop action if Hasan takes power.

Significant shift in electoral politics as former military ruler HM Ershad’s Jatiya party agreed to join BNP-led government alliance for January 2007 polls. 5 killed when police fired into crowd demonstrating against coal mine in Dinajpur district 26 August; plans for mine subsequently dropped. India and Bangladesh involved in cross-border shelling, killing 2 civilians on each side; exchanged mutual accusations of initiating clash following alleged land-grab by Bangladeshi farmers. 3 members of banned Jamatul Mujahideen Bangladesh sentenced to death in connection with August and October 2005 bombings.

6-day opposition campaign for electoral reforms began 25 July involving mass protests, largely peaceful, in Dhaka and elsewhere. Opposition accused police of arresting 1,000 supporters ahead of campaign. Police and protestors clashed in earlier 2 July demonstration killing 2. Government refused to give electoral commission money needed to update electoral rolls due to funds misuse allegations.

Clashes between police and protestors broke out during 13-14 June strike called by 14-party alliance led by Awami League (AL). Opposition demanded electoral reforms including removal of allegedly biased election commissioner and participation of AL in caretaker administration due to govern from October until January 2007 elections. Police later battled demonstrators trying to march to election commission offices in several towns. UN electoral assistance mission “deeply troubled” by high level of political violence.

Dispute over Election Commission continued. Supreme Court rejected draft voter list published by Commission while Bureau of Statistics stated list contains extra 11 million voters, leading to opposition Awami League (AL) demonstrations against “election engineering”. Separate AL protests demanded end to water and power shortages. Journalists in Kushtia reportedly attacked by cadres of ruling BNP. 2 leaders of banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen group, and 10 accomplices sentenced to death for November 2005 murder of 2 judges.

Opposition alliance protests against fuel and food shortages in northwest violently broken up by police; at least 6 killed 13 April. Awami League (AL)-led alliance also organised general strikes 20 and 23 April to press for electoral reform ahead of January 2007 polls; demonstrators clashed with police and government supporters. Plans for joint government-opposition committee on reforms stalled as AL blocked Islamic Jamaat-e-Islami, major partner of ruling BNP and accused by AL of militant links, from participating. Central Bank fined biggest Sharia lender Islami Bank for wiring money to militant groups. Security forces said had arrested last 2 senior members of Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh, blamed for suicide attacks in 2005.

Leaders of banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen (JMB), Abdur Rahman and Bhangla Bhai, arrested after February sentence in absentia. Suspected JMB member, Mollah Omar, died along with family in explosion during military operation 13 March. Opposition alliance led by Awami League (AL) clashed with police during attempted siege on electoral commission, which they accuse of bias. Ruling Bangladesh National Party (BNP) proposed joint BNP-AL election committee 21 March.

Main opposition party Awami League (AL) returned to parliament after year-long boycott. Protests caused chaos in Dhaka: AL-organised general strike called for government resignation, while demonstrations also held against Danish cartoons. Dutch development minister indicated EU readiness to mediate dialogue between government and opposition. Senior AL leader Sheikh Yunus Ali targeted and seriously injured in bomb blast. 4 Jamaat- ul-Mujahideen leaders, including Shayek Abdur Rahman, sentenced to 40 years imprisonment for involvement in November 2005 killing of 2 judges.

Leader of banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen group, Shayek Abdur Rahman, accused of orchestrating wave of bomb attacks since August 2005, reportedly arrested in India. Clashes erupted in northwest between security forces and villagers protesting arrest of leaders accused of attacking local power installations due to failing supplies, 6 killed. Nationwide strike organised by opposition Awami League held 22 January protesting election commission’s lack of impartiality. EU delegation on 2-day visit discussed election issues, extremism and corruption.

Wave of suicide bombings that began in November continued to escalate tensions: over 11 killed, including 8 in northern Netrokona town 8 December. Police carried out raids, seizing explosives and arresting key personnel of banned groups Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen and Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh. Opponents of minority Muslim Ahmadiyya community clashed with police during Dhaka march 23 December.