By DPA
Dhaka : The United States and Britain have welcomed security measures adopted by the military-backed interim government in Bangladesh, including the imposition of an indefinite curfew, to restore order following clashes between students and security personnel at Dhaka University, officials said Friday.
In statements issued by their diplomatic missions in Dhaka, the two countries also asked the caretaker government to hold the next general election by the deadline set by the roadmap for the quick return to democracy.
The interim government has promised to hold the general election by December 2008 after completing a new voter list for the country.
An indefinite curfew was imposed in Dhaka late Wednesday amid clashes breaking out between unruly students and security forces on the Dhaka University campus in the central part of the capital city.
Seven university teachers and over 80 students were arrested in Dhaka and northern Rajshahi city during curfew hours on charges of fomenting unrest, official sources said.
The disturbances were sparked by a minor altercation between an army employee from a military camp on the campus and a senior student.
Witnesses said some 400 people, including several policemen, were injured in pitched battles between stone-throwing students and security forces firing rubber bullets and tear shells.
The violence spread to six other major cities as the students demanded the immediate removal of the army camp from the university.