Dhaka, Jumada II 26, 1434, May 6, 2013, SPA - At least 17 people were killed in clashes between demonstrators and police Monday as thousands of protestors occupied streets in the Bangladeshi capital, police and hospital sources said. More than 10,000 police and soldiers advanced late Sunday to clear demonstrators from a major street in Dhaka. Protesters scattered into side streets and set fire to many shops as they fled, according to a report of DPA. "Many were seen surrendering with their hands raised and police allowed them to leave the area," police officer Mehdi Hasan said. Authorities temporarily banned all public gatherings in Dhaka, the Home Ministry said. Security forces fired rubber bullets, sound grenades and teargas. Fourteen protesters and three police were reportedly killed, officials and police said. The protestors were demanding an anti-blasphemy law providing the death penalty, and vowed to shut down the main business hub. Prime Minister Sheikha Hasina Wazed has said the existing laws have sufficient safeguards to address the protesters' concerns. On Friday, she vowed that the government "will not allow any chaos in the name of Islam, a religion of peace." At least 50 people including policemen were injured, a police officer said. Demonstrators also attacked the headquarters of the ruling Awami League party, torched more than 100 shops and at least 50 parked cars, and vandalized several buildings. The demonstrators also demanded mandatory religious education. --SPA 11:03 LOCAL TIME 08:03 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1106935