Banglasdesh army says coup by 'fanatic officers' foiled

Military spokesman Masud Razzaq said in a statement that the attempt had been thwarted by the "whole-hearted efforts of army soldiers".The Bangladesh army says it has foiled a coup planned against the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He said the officers planning the coup were in active military service and had "extreme religious views".

Bangladesh has a history of coups, with the army running the impoverished country for 15 years until 1990.

Sheikh Hasina took over power from a military-backed caretaker government in early 2009 and officials say she has since then faced threats from Islamist and other radical groups.

A revolt staged by the country's paramilitary forces soon after she took office began in Dhaka and spread to other cities. More than 70 people were killed, including 51 army officers, before it was crushed.

(da BBC)