In Bangladesh, President Lt General Hussain Muhammad Ershad lifted a 10-month ban on political activities, allowing a new pro-government party to form from five existing parties. Opposition parties announced a general strike for January 5. Separately, a student was killed and others injured in clashes between Islamic fundamentalists and Awami League supporters near Chittagong. In Punjab, suspected terrorists killed a police constable. Sri Lankan President J R Jayewardene restored civic rights to former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike.