DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Police in Bangladesh have fired rubbers bullets and tear gas shells to disperse protesters trying to enforce a general strike.

An alliance of 18 opposition parties is enforcing Sunday’s dawn-to-dusk strike to protest a 9 per cent hike in fuel prices.

The government says the hike was needed to cut down subsidies on fuel. Critics say it will further increase inflation and public suffering.

Dhaka’s Somoy TV and Independent Television reported that protesters exploded about a dozen homemade bombs — explosives filled in tin pots — in central Dhaka. At least six vehicles were set on fire.

Police say they used rubber bullets and tear gas to prevent protesters from attacking vehicles that defied the strike.

General strikes are a common opposition tactic in Bangladesh to highlight demands.