Bangla ex-PM Zia's house power supply snapped

Ahead of 72-hour nationwide strike called by Opposition BNP, the Bangladesh Government today cut the power supply, cable and Internet connections to the office-cum-residence of party chief Khaleda Zia apparently to force her to withdraw the agitation.
The anti-government strike beginning tomorrow to press for fresh elections also coincides with the countrywide Secondary School Certificate exams in which over 1.5 million students will appear.
A large number of anxious students accompanied by their parents and guardians carrying placards made a human chain outside Zia's house demanding withdrawal of the strike to enable them to take part in the examination.
The electricity to the office-cum-residence where Zia is staying since January 4 has been disconnected since 2:37 am local time, an aide of the former Premier said.

Besides, he said the cable and Internet connections to the premises have also been snapped.
The actions have been taken to force Zia to call off the scheduled strike, the aide alleged.
The anti-government strike aims to intensify pressures on the government to hold fresh polls after the last year's election was boycotted by BNP over its dispute with Awami League on poll timings.
At least 42 people have been killed so far in the violence during anti-government protests that took place following BNP's call for a nationwide non-stop blockade from January 6 after authorities barred Zia from joining a protest rally to mark the first anniversary of the last year's divisive January 5 polls.