Bangladesh students attacked during Dhaka protest

About 25 students have been injured in clashes in Bangladesh's capital on the seventh day of a youth protest about road safety, reports say.

Thousands of pupils have been out on Dhaka's roads stopping traffic and checking vehicles and drivers.

It is not clear who attacked them but local media blamed a student group linked to the ruling party.

The protesters want improved road safety after a boy and girl were killed by a speeding bus last Sunday.

The government has blocked mobile internet access for 24 hours in response to the protests.

Transport workers have in recent days staged their own strike, while the government has urged students to return to their classrooms.

A government minister previously accused the students of hypocrisy, sparking further uproar. He later apologised.

Reports said police used tear gas and rubber bullets as they tried to control the crowds on Saturday, though police denied this.

A doctor and witnesses quoted by AFP news agency said the number of injured was much higher, at more than 100.

Doctor Abdus Shabbir told the agency a few of the injured were "in a very bad condition" and some had rubber bullet injuries.

- BBC