DHAKA, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The indefinite curfew imposed in Bangladesh's six major cities including capital Dhaka continued peacefully Thursday, with no major untoward incidents, as army, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police patrolled the streets in the cities.

    The government Wednesday declared curfew in the headquarters of the country's six divisions from 8 p.m. Wednesday and end with further order as the violent students protests escalated in the country.

    The Dhaka streets were quiet and looked deserted during the curfew hours. Trouble-torn Dhaka University was also calm as students who led the protests for three days against army men beating of their fellows Monday left their dormitories in compliance with the government order.

    The violence left one person killed and about 600 others wounded in Dhaka and other major cities during the last three days.

    The curfew was relaxed for three hours from 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon, allowing people to finish off their urgent works. Like Wednesday, the mobile operators suspended their networks during relaxation period in accordance with the government's order.

    Witnesses said thousands of people stranded at different places by the sudden imposition of the curfew from Wednesday night came out on the streets after 20 hours to reach their desired destinations or attend their urgent business and do their small shopping.

    All government, semi-government and autonomous offices in Dhaka and other five cities were closed Thursday.

    The witnesses said law enforcers using microphones asked people to stay indoor and all modes of vehicles to stay off the streets. The law enforcers allegedly beat up pedestrians and three-wheel rickshaw pullers for violating the curfew.

    A number of journalists and press photographers were also assaulted by security personnel for failing to produce their curfew passes. The Dhaka Reporters Unity and the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh condemned the beating up journalists by law enforcers during the curfew hours.

    Although capital Dhaka was quiet but chase and counter-chase between police and pickets took place in northwestern Rajshahi city.

    All political activities remain banned under the state of emergency declared on Jan. 11.