World Notes BANGLADESH

Thousands of people flooded Dhaka's streets last week to mark the first anniversary of President H.M. Ershad's civilian rule -- but hardly in a way he would have liked. To cries of "Torch the throne of Ershad!" an estimated 20,000 demonstrators clashed with police over three days. On Saturday, at least two dozen homemade bombs rocked the capital. Altogether, three civilians and one policeman were killed, scores injured, and 2,000 arrested. The biggest casualty, however, was Bangladesh's meandering course toward democracy. Ershad ordered the arrest of Protest Organizers Begum Khaleda Zia, 43, and Sheik Hasina Wazed, 40, the country's two top opposition leaders. Khaleda Zia is the daughter and Sheik Hasina the wife of assassinated former Presidents.