Bangladesh PM 'opponents inciting violence'

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia, has blamed her political opponents for attacks on the minority Hindu community that have taken place since the general election in October.

Speaking in parliament, the prime minister said the main opposition Awami League party was trying to disturb communal harmony.

The Awami League has dismissed the charge.

The remarks were Khaleda Zia's first public comment on the attacks.

The government orignally dismissed reports of widespread attacks, but later accepted that some incidents had taken place.

Hundreds of Hindus are reported to have fled to neighbouring India.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service