At least 15 people have been killed in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka during clashes between police and Islamic hardliners.
More than 60 were injured during the clashes in which several shops and vehicles were set on fire.
The protesters called for stronger Islamic policies, including an anti-blasphemy law.
Here are some photos from the anti-blasphemy law protests in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Burnt out government vehicles are parked following a clash between police and Islamists, in Dhaka on May 6, 2013. Getty Images
Burnt religious literature including the Holy Qur’an is seen at shops near the national mosque Baitul Mukarram following a clash between police and Islamists, in Dhaka on May 6, 2013. Getty Images
Another seven people died in Motijheel, a commercial area of Dhaka, the official said. The protesters blocked roads in the area with burning tires and logs during more than five hours of clashes, television footage showed.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police said in a statement that all rallies and protests have been banned in the city until midnight Monday for fear of more clashes.
READ MORE: Reports say 15 killed in Bangladesh clashes
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ruling Awami League and an alliance of 18 opposition parties led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia had planned rallies in Dhaka later Monday.
There was no immediate comment from the parties.
In this photo, burnt out government vehicles are parked following a clash between police and Islamists, in Dhaka on May 6, 2013. At least 22 people were killed as Bangladeshi police fought pitched battles with tens of thousands of hardline Islamists in the capital Dhaka, police and medical officials said Monday. Getty Images
Bangladeshi people look at burnt religious literature including the Holy Qur’an at shops near the national mosque Baitul Mukarram following a clash between police and Islamists, in Dhaka on May 6, 2013. Getty Images
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel stand guard following a clash between police and Islamists, in Dhaka on May 6, 2013. Getty Images
Smoke wafts from a building near the premises of the national mosque Baitul Mukarram following a clash between police and Islamists, in Dhaka on May 6, 2013. Getty Images
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