By Waliur Rahman BBC News, Dhaka

Violence has escalated as general elections draw closer Enlarge Image

The politician, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, was among more than 100 hurt during the unrest.

The protests were called by opposition parties, despite a police ban on the demonstrations near the election commission headquarters.

Witnesses say the clashes were some of the fiercest in recent months.

Badly hurt

The violence occurred after thousands of protesters took to the streets as part of the opposition campaign for electoral reforms ahead of general elections in January.

The clashes were the fiercest in recent months

The main opposition Awami League and its allies staged the demonstration despite a heavy police presence near the election commission building.

Police said they were forced to use batons and tear gas shells after opposition activists attacked them with stones and bricks and tried to remove barricades.

The Awami League said that Mr Chowdhury was badly hurt in the police action.

Witnesses said he was mercilessly beaten in the stomach by police, and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Resignation refusal

There has been no immediate comment from police on the allegations.

Many people were injured in the confrontation with police

The opposition parties are demanding the resignation of election commissioners, who they accuse of favouring the government.

Chief Election Commissioner MA Aziz denied the allegations and refused to step down.

The opposition parties are also demanding electoral reforms, saying they are vital if the next election is to be free and fair.

The government agreed to consider the reform proposals, but the two feuding groups have so far failed to meet to discuss the proposals.