DHAKA, Bangladesh -- Hindu temples in Bangladesh came under renewed attack Tuesday from Muslim activists protesting the destruction of a 16th century mosque in northern India by Hindu protesters.
Activists ordered a general strike that shut down much of the Islamic nation and a right-wing Muslim party called a rally Tuesday in front of Dhaka's largest mosque.
Injuries from clashes between Islamic fundamentalists and left-wing activists in Dhaka climbed to over 70 and police firing in the southern port city of Chittagong left seven wounded, police and hospital sources said.
The right-wing Jamaat-i-Islami Party, which includes Bangladesh's largest opposition party, called a 12-hour general strike Tuesday to protest Sunday's demolition of a 16th century mosque by Hindus in India.
The Hindu Shiva temple in the Thatari Bazaar district of old Dhaka was razed Tuesday morning after a 1,000-strong crowd overpowered police. Three policemen were injured during the attack, local residents said.
In the nearby Narinda District, an 88-year old Hindu priest received shrapnel wounds when his temple came under bomb attack from a large mob, police said.
The priest said he had been assured of safety by local Muslim residents but that did not stop the mob from breaking into the temple.
Police fired several rounds of tear gas to drive away the mob and protect the temple. One boy was arrested for possessing a bomb stuffed with nails.
Police fired rubber bullets Tuesday near the Dhakeswari Mandir, Dhaka's best-known Hindu temple, when another crowd of Muslims tried to break into the complex.
One person was killed and at least 100 injured in Dhaka Monday as Muslim demonstrators vented their anger over the destruction of the Indian mosque. Demonstrators, carrying sticks and iron bars, smashed and looted shops owned by Hindus and attacked cars and buses.
Thousands of demonstrators converged in front of Bangladesh's largest mosque, and chanted anti-India slogan's while police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to control the crowd, leading to one death and nearly 50 injuries in Dhaka.
