Ten dead and hundreds injured as police battle hardline Islamist group demanding death penalty for those who insult Allah Activists are calling for those who insult Islam to face the death penalty Rioters set fire to shops and vehicles, blocked roads and fought with police Police fired rubber bullets into crowds armed with rocks But sources have claimed officer fired hundreds of live rounds into the mob Ten people have died and hundreds have been injured after hardline Islamists demanding a new blasphemy law clashed with police in Bangladesh. The activists are calling for those who insult Islam to face the death penalty. Rioters set fire to shops and vehicles, blocked roads and fought bloody battles with police in the capital of Dhaka. Ten people have died and hundreds have been injured as hardline Islamists demanding a new blasphemy law clashed with police in Bangladesh Civilian people carry an injured Islamist protester during the clashes with police in Dhaka The group of activists - half a million strong - are calling for those who insult Islam to face the death penalty Thousands of Islamists brought Dhaka to a standstill as they demanded an anti-blasphemy law that carries the death penalty Activists from the hardline Hefajat-e-Islam marched along at least six roads, blocking transport between Dhaka and other cities. Witnesses have said the group was chanting 'Allahu Akbar!' ('God is greatest!') and 'One point, One demand: Atheists must be hanged.' Police have said about 200,000 people marched to central Dhaka, where tensions erupted. As protesters - armed with rocks - clashed with security officials, police were forced to beat back demonstrators with batons. Activists from the hardline Hefajat-e-Islam marched along at least six roads, blocking transport between Dhaka and other cities Members of the media assist an injured police officer during a clash with activists of Hefajat-e Islam in front of the national mosque Officers shoot rubber bullets towards supporters of Hefajat-e Islam and Islami Chhatra Shibir to disperse them from the streets as they clashed with police It is believed rioting broke out after police tried to intercept protesters . Many had traveled from remote villages and had gathered in front of the country's largest mosque. It has been reported that trouble then spread to central districts of Dhaka. Police inspector Mozammel Haq confirmed three of those who were killed were taken to Dhaka Medical College. Seven others taken to two private clinics including six at the Al Baraka Hospital. Six are said to have bullet wounds in their heads. A police officer reportedly suffered serious head injuries after he was beaten by protesters. While police maintain only rubber bullets were used in the clashes, witnesses and various local media sources claim that hundreds of live rounds were fired by security forces. While police maintain only rubber bullets were used in the clashes, witnesses and various local media sources claim that hundreds of live rounds were fired by security forces A police officer throws a piece of brick during a clash with activists. More than one hundred were injured, including journalists, and thirteen vehicles torched Hefajat-e-Islam is a newly created radical Islamist group. It wants greater segregation of men and women, and a stricter Islamic education. It also want the restoration of pledges to Allah in the constitution. Leaders have threatened to launch a campaign to oust the government unless their demands are met.