DHAKA, Feb 2: The Awami League-led opposition combine of 10 political parties and groups started a ‘long march’ to Dhaka on Thursday to press for the resignation of the government of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

The opposition started the march from Tentulia in the north, Barguna in the southwest, and Teknaf in the southeast.

The Awami League alleged that the government had arrested some 500 activists across the country over the last couple of days in order to scuttle the protest.

The marchers will assemble at small towns near Dhaka on Saturday before starting the final leg towards Dhaka’s Paltan Maidan, where Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina will address the participants.

The AL general secretary, Abdul Jalil MP, accused the police of taking opposition leaders and activists into custody with a view to foiling the long march.