News In Brief

Bangladesh lawyers begin strike to end military rule

Nearly 15,000 lawyers began a week-long strike Wednesday to press demands for judicial freedom and an end to the military rule of President Hussain Mohammad Ershad.

The usually crowded district court in Dacca was swarming with people appealing for extra time with their cases because they were unable to find lawyers to help them, a court official said.

In the Supreme Court at Dacca, most judges adjourned hearings after lawyers did not turn up, according to another official.