Luke 21:9-10: [Jesus said] "When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away." Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom."
At least four people are dead and dozens injured in a series of protests connected to the Islamist group Jamaat-e-Islami after one of its leaders was convicted of murder and other war crimes charges Tuesday.
Adding to the tensions were a group of pro-government protesters counter-protesting the Islamists and calling for Abdul Kader Mullah to be sentenced to death for his crimes.
Schools and businesses across the nation are closed today because of a general strike called by Jamaat-e-Islami. The group had previously threatened to bring down the nation’s government if the trial of Mullah and other party officials was not immediately ended. The Islamists claim that the trials are politically motivated and not because of the mass murders Mullah has been convicted of leading during the country’s war for independence.
TV footage has shown protesters throwing stones at police who have responded by shooting into the crowds with rubber bullets and tear gas.
Eight other top officials with Jamaat-e-Islami are still on trial facing many of the same charges Mullah was convicted of Tuesday.