Dhaka: “It will be logical to bring her (Zia) under the purview of law…For giving order of the killings,” Hasina told parliament last night in the wake of continuing clashes between Bangladesh’s two main political factions. Bangladesh opposition leader Khaleda Zia could be tried for the killings of about 30 people during the recent anti-government protests, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said.

“Law-enforcing agencies are examining the possibility of putting her (Zia) on trial…Law will take its own course and it is up to agencies enforcing the law to check this out and take necessary action. I will leave it at that.”

The violence sparked by the non-stop nationwide blockade enforced by 69-year-old Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) since January 6 has claimed at least 30 lives so far.

The premier’s comments came as law enforcement agencies detained 2,500 suspected arsonists in the last 16 days and announced Tk 100,000 (USD 1,286) bounty on each person involved in the latest clash between Bangladesh’s two main, long-feuding political factions.

“Attackers are killing people in the name of political programmes…The government has decided to stop it at any cost,” said Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu.

The violence prompted government to indefinitely ban pillion riding today.

Officials said over 7,000 activists of the BNP and its ally Jamaat-e-Islami have been arrested since the unrest began on January 5, marking the first anniversary of the controversial polls won by Hasina, Zia’s arch-rival.

The unrest began after police confined Zia, a two-time premier, to her office in Dhaka ahead of the anniversary.

The 17-day house arrest of Zia was lifted on January 19, but the defiant ex-premier vowed to continue the nationwide blockade and preferred to stay put at her office.