[JURIST] Bangladesh [JURIST news archive] authorities announced Wednesday that opposition leader and former prime minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed [Wikipedia profile] has been charged with four counts of murder arising from the deaths of four protesters during political turmoil in October. In all, 46 people were charged following a murder investigation that was prompted by a complaint filed by the Jamaat Islami party [Wikipedia backgrounder], one of the four parties that supports Wajed's main political rival Khaleda Zia [Virtual Bangladesh profile]. Wajed's alleged role in the killings is unclear. AFP has more.

Bangladesh President Iajuddin Ahmed declared a state of emergency January 11 [JURIST report] and later indefinitely postponed elections scheduled for January 22 after the collapse of a caretaker government in the face of violent protests over election procedures. In the wake of the emergency declaration Bangladeshi authorities detained over 2500 people and have raided the homes of several political leaders, making multiple arrests [JURIST reports].