Dhaka, Aug 13 (PTI): Forty people were injured today as Jamaat-e-Islami supporters exploded crude bombs and clashed with the police leaving at least 40 people injured.

The Jamaat activists were trying to enforce a 48-hour countrywide strike to protest against a court verdict that banned the Right-wing party from contesting future elections.

Police had to fire rubber bullets and tear gas canisters to disperse the activists.

They burst 15 bombs in Rajshahi, Barisal, Bogra and Chittagong and blocked different roads to observe the shutdown. The activists also torched and vandalised at least 34 vehicles in Comilla, Rajshahi, Pirojpur and Chittagong.

Police detained 34 people from different parts of the country on charges of plotting subversive activities, attacking the police and damaging vehicles. The Jamaat had called the strike to protest what it called “government repression, persecution and plot to eliminate the party”.