Bangladesh leader attacks government

The Bangladesh opposition leader, Sheikh Hasina, has accused the government of trying to eliminate her party through mass arrests, torture and false criminal charges.

Speaking to reporters on a visit to Delhi, Sheikh Hasina claimed members of her party, the Awami League, were being targeted by government forces.

The Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia, deployed the army to help police crack down on crime after her year- long administration was criticised by the public and foreign investors.

Human right groups have called for an independent investigation into the deaths of almost 30 people in custody since last month.

The prime minister's Bangladesh National Party, or BNP, replaced the Awami League government in the general elections last year.