Anti-government protesters firebombed a bus in eastern Bangladesh, burning at least seven passengers to death.  This has brought the death toll in spiralling unrest against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 54.

Several passengers were critically injured.  Police blamed the attack on activists supporting the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by two-time former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. 

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One survivor recalled hearing loud cries and seeing people burning in the bus Tuesday in the town of Chauddagram.  The bus bound for Dhaka, was carrying local tourists from an overnight stay at a resort in the town of Cox's Bazaar.

"I jumped through the window and found a friend in flames. I doused the fire but his condition is critical," one survivor told private Ekattur TV.

Zia, 69, has been holed up in her office since Jan. 3 as authorities step up pressure on the opposition party in a bid to stop the violence.

Zia called for nationwide protests urging supporters to block roads, railways and waterways.  The opposition wants to paralyze transportation to force Hasina to call for a fresh election.

Hundreds of people have been injured since the month-long protests began.

More than 800 vehicles have been torched or damaged and inter-city transport services have halted operations.

Zia has denied her group was responsible for the attack.

TagsBangladesh, bus attack, unrest