Bangladesh, the political confrontation intensifies as the government and main opposition alliance remain rigid on taking hardlines.

 Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina says, her government will deal with the violence, unleashed by the opposition alliance in the name of a political movement, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is determined to press on with the nationwide transport blockade despite the government's warning.

In a statement released to the press last night, BNP Joint General Secretary Rizvi Ahmed said Khaleda is firm on continuation of the agitation till democratic rights are restored.   Sources in the party said the BNP combine will intensify the violent blockade after the Biswa Ijtema ends today. AIR Dhaka correspondent reports, violence continues unabated in the t country.    At least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured in the violent blockade which has entered the 13th day today. One truck driver was killed as micreants hurled a petrol bomb at the vehicle on the Dhaka-Barisal highway today.

Blockaders petrol bombed a police bus in Shahbhag area in the capital seriously burning 5 policemen. last night.   Nine bus passengers including 2 children have been burned when miscreants set fire to a bus in Mohammadpur last night in the capital. At least six other vehicles, including auto-rickshaws have been torched in the capital