Tens of thousands of anti-government Bangladeshis have taken part in forming a cross-country human chain to demand new elections. The human chain was organized Thursday by the main opposition Awami League and its 13 allies, which have accused Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's government of corruption, incompetence and authoritarianism. Mrs. Zia denies the allegations. Opposition spokesman Abdul Jalil said the hour-long demonstration stretched for 900 kilometers, linking the country's southwest and northeast, with part of it cutting through the capital, Dhaka. A similar opposition human chain was formed 19 days ago. The opposition wants Mrs. Zia to resign and order new elections, which are due in 2006. But Mrs. Zia has rejected the demand and vowed to remain in office until her five-year term expires.
