DHAKA, Feb 2: Hundreds of protesters clashed with police here on Saturday during a half-day strike over sharp increases in fuel and electricity prices.

The strike, called by leftist parties, disrupted transport and industry across the country. It follows a half-days stoppage on Jan 9 called by the Awami League of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Witnesses said about 300 strike supporters clashed with police near the government secretariat in central Dhaka. More than 20 people were injured.

Police said they arrested 20 activists for disturbing the peace and obstructing movement of transport in the city of nearly 10 million people.

Trains and long-distance buses delayed operations at the start of the strike early on Saturday.

The government raised fuel prices by 20 per cent, electricity 15 per cent and cooking gas 42 per cent from Jan 1. The hikes are part of an economic reform programme to qualify Bangladesh for International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank aid.—Reuters