Major political parties in Bangladesh have signed a roadmap for political reforms proposed by the interim government while police clashed with protesters seeking more provisions for the activists who ousted the previous government.

The fire broke out on the third floor of a four-story factory in the South Asian nation’s capital, Dhaka, before spreading to a adjacent chemical warehouse.

Bangladesh’s most powerful political parties signed the charter on Friday aimed at ensuring democratic reform after next year’s elections, but celebrations by the government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus were muted after one party refused to sign and by the clashes on the capital’s streets.

Police have used teargas, stun grenades and batons to disperse protesters outside Bangladesh’s national Parliament complex

Toxic gas and a locked door that barred access to a roof were responsible for most of the deaths in a devastating fire in a Bangladesh garment factory and an adjoining chemical warehouse, a fire official said on Wednesday.

Australia face Bangladesh in the ICC Women's World Cup - follow live scores, radio commentary, video highlights and updates.

Bangladesh's only plus point is their bowling. The fast bowlers are rotated smoothly, and have done well in most conditions. Spinners Rishad Hossain and Tanvir Islam have also been in control of proceedings for the most part. They will be licking their lips with the Shere Bangla National Stadium pitch in front of them.

Bangladesh police on Friday fired teargas and used batons and sound grenades to disperse protesters gathered near the Parliament after they refused to vacate the area, amid uncertainty over the signing of a joint declaration called the July Charter.