In their biggest demonstration to date, tens of thousands of opposition activists formed a human chain across the Bangladesh capital on Tuesday, paralysing traffic as they called for the government to step down.
"Your time is up," chanted supporters of the Awami League as the chain stretched an estimated 20 kms (12 miles) across Dhaka.
The Awami League has vowed to bring down the government of Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia - who took office in October 2001 with a mandate for five years - accusing her of mismanaging the economy and allowing crime to soar.
Many senior Awami leaders joined the chain, although party leader Sheikh Hasina did not attend.
Speaking at a public rallies recently, Khaleda has vowed to stay on despite a series of opposition strikes that have at times paralysed the country.
She has warned her rivals that authorities would deal sternly with anyone resorting to "political adventurism".
"We have a massive people's mandate to government for five years. We will complete our tenure and will not tolerate any undemocratic design to disturb peaceful governance," she said.
The Awami League insists Khaleda must resign by April 30, but have not said what they will do if she refuses.
"To me this (deadline) seems just like a scare card," said a government official who asked not to be named.
The Awami League has called for two 12-hour general strikes on April 7 and 8, before unveiling new plans that party officials say will lead to even more stoppages and disruption.
The BNP also has started holding street rallies and marches in Dhaka and other cities, urging people to "resist Awami's heinous design to destroy democracy and the economy".
The BNP's governing partner, the Jamaat-e-Islami, also staged a large rally in the capital on Tuesday afternoon.
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