Bangladesh Islamists Battle Riot Police

Stun grenades and gunfire rocked the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on Sunday as police battled Islamist protesters, who set fire to shops, vehicles, and the state-run news agency office. Up to half a million Hefazat-e-Islam supporters gathered in the city calling for the adoption of blasphemy laws in the country, including the death penalty as punishment for those who insult Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. Police battled protesters with tear gas, rubber bullets, and crude bombs, leaving at least four dead and scores more injured. The protest was unrelated to the recent factory collapse that killed hundreds and sparked unrest in the country.