Bangladesh's main opposition party says authorities have detained "a large number" of activists in parts of the country ahead of an anti-government rally in the nation's capital.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party spokesman Tariqul Islam says police are creating obstacles to keep opposition supporters away from Monday's rally.
Authorities deny the allegation, saying people facing specific charges are being arrested as part of its regular operations.
The opposition led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is demanding that the government restore a caretaker government system to oversee the next general elections slated to be held in 2014.