The Bangladesh capital of Dhaka was bustling again today after authorities relaxed a curfew imposed after university student clashes with the military this week.
"The curfew will remain relaxed from 6am (local time) to 11pm on Saturday," a statement from the home ministry said.
The curfew, which shut down public transport, schools, banks, clinics and pharmacies, was imposed in Dhaka and five other cities on Wednesday after student-led protests against the presence of troops on the Dhaka University campus turned violent and spread across the country.
One man was killed and nearly 300 were injured in clashes with security forces in Dhaka and other cities before the curfew was declared.
Activists threw stones and smashed vehicles with sticks in Malibagh district in Dhaka and similarly brief curfew-breaking attempts occurred in several other cities on Friday.
Political analysts say if the protests continue they could pose a serious challenge to the interim government, which has restricted political activities and launched a major anti-corruption drive.
The interim government scrapped elections scheduled for January this year and is working to create a climate for free and fair polls by the end of next year.