Bangladeshi police end strike, patrol capital's streets again

They faced attacks over lethal crackdown on protests that forced PM's departure

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Bangladeshi police resumed patrols of the capital Dhaka on Aug 12, ending a week-long strike that left a law and order vacuum following the abrupt ouster of prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Officers vanished from the streets of the sprawling megacity of 20 million people last week after Ms Hasina's resignation and flight abroad ended her 15-year rule.

Police were loathed for spearheading a lethal crackdown on the weeks of protests that forced her departure, with 42 officers among the more than 450 people killed.

Police had vowed not to resume work until their safety on duty was guaranteed, but they agreed to return after late-night talks with the new interim government, helmed by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus.

"It's good to be back," Assistant Commissioner Snehasish Das told AFP while standing at a busy intersection directing traffic.

"As we feel secure now, we are back on duty." Student-led protests against Ms Hasina's government had been largely peaceful until police attempted to violently disperse them.