Bangladesh blockade is called off

The opposition say they may resume their protests Enlarge Image

The Awami League in Bangladesh and its allies have suspended a nationwide transport blockade until Sunday.

The blockade has crippled the country's economy for four days and disrupted food supplies and transport to Dhaka.

The protesters have threatened to resume the blockade after Sunday if their demand for the sacking of "biased" election officials is not met.

An interim government led by President Iajuddin Ahmed is in power until general elections due in January.

'Neutrality'

"If he [President Ahmed] fails to implement our demands, we will resume our movement from Monday.

The protesters severely disrupted normal life across Bangladesh

"We want the president to prove his neutrality so the right atmosphere for free and fair elections is created," Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina told reporters.

She said they had taken the decision to postpone the action programme to allow transportation of food supplies to Dhaka and to "give relief" to businesses.

But she warned that her supporters would go back to the streets if her demands for electoral reforms were not fulfilled.

The alliance called the blockade across Bangladesh on Sunday to try to force the country's chief election commissioners and deputies from office.

They are also seeking changes in the administration ahead of January's vote.

The commissioners have been accused of bias towards the former Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia. But they have they denied the allegations and have refused to resign.

The interim government says it is holding discussions with major political parties to find a solution to the crisis in the run-up to the vote.