Opposition workers are demanding electoral reforms

Police fired tear gas to disperse opposition workers in the city's Mahakali and Mirpur areas, reports say.

The nationwide 36-hour strike called by the Awami League and its allies has closed businesses and schools and hit transport across the country.

The opposition is demanding electoral reforms ahead of polls due in January.

An unelected interim administration is due to supervise the elections. The opposition says it will be full of government supporters.

On Tuesday, at least 50 people were injured in clashes with police in Dhaka and the neighbouring town of Narayanganj.

"We are agitating to assert our democratic rights. But the government shows no tolerance because it is an autocratic regime," senior Awami League leader Tofayel Ahmed told Reuters news agency.

Deadlock

The ruling Bangladesh National Party has condemned the "violence and vandalism" by the opposition and urged citizens to resist the strike.

Analysts say Bangladesh is headed for more violence in the run-up to January's elections.

Opposition groups want the government to agree electoral reform proposals to ensure the election is free and fair.

They are also demanding the resignation of chief election commissioner MA Aziz, whom they accuse of not being neutral. Mr Aziz denies the allegations.

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has promised to stay in office until October.

Under the constitution, she must hand power to a caretaker administration to oversee the election.