DHAKA: Opposition BNP-led 18-party alliance ended observing 71-hour rail-road-waterway blockade programme at 5:00am Friday amid countrywide incidents of violence.

At least 18 people were killed, hundreds others injured, dozens burnt across the country during the blockade.

Hundreds of cocktails were exploded by 18-party activists and many vehicles were vandalized and torched at the same time.

There had been also clashes between 18-party supporters and police and ruling party activists, arrest of opposition leaders and activists.

Rail communication remained snapped on several routes on the last day of the 71-hour blockade Thursday, as picketers removed fishplates, sleepers, and rail tracks and set fire on rail lines pouring petrol.

While 18-party activists blocked many roads putting wood logs, setting fire on tyres, cocktails blasts and took position in river ghats to obstruct waterway communication.

18-party initially called for a 48-hour roads, rail and waterways blockade programme from 6:00am Tuesday protesting the announcement of the schedule for the next general election and later extended it by 23 hours in two phases protesting the killing of its activists and government suppression.

BDST: 1134 HRS, NOV 29, 2013