DHAKA — Witnesses say activists from Bangladesh's largest Islamic party have clashed with police in the nation's capital of Dhaka. Police fired tear gas Monday to disperse the stone-throwing protesters from Jamaat-e-Islami demanding the release of their top leaders. They have been jailed pending trials for crimes during the 1971 war of independence against Pakistan. The party's leaders allegedly aided Pakistani soldiers. Several protesters and at least two policemen were hurt in the clash, and several vehicles were set on fire. Television reports say police detained at least 50 protesters. Jamaat's top leaders face charges of murder, arson and looting during the war, which led to Bangladesh's independence. The party says the charges are politically motivated. The government says the case meets international legal standards. — AP
