Truemors
Opposition activists in Egypt are calling for a strike similar to that happened last month and witnessed hundreds of people who organised the general strike largely through the social neworking Facebook, to protest against the rising food prices and the political situation in the country. Hundreds of people were arrested and many are still in police custody.
The BBC's Ian Pannell in Cairo says the strike reflects growing unease over rising food prices and the lack of meaningful political reform in the country.
Food costs have risen sharply in Egypt in recent months, in line with rising global commodity prices.
Some basic goods have almost doubled, provoking widespread unease and anger.
This is a worrying development for a government that maintains public order with a strong hand, our correspondent says.
The day of action coincides with the 80th birthday of President Hosni Mubarak, who has been in power since 1981.
Although President Mubarak has ordered the army to help with bread production and recently announced a public sector pay increase of 30%,
the authorities have also warned they will not tolerate dissent on the streets.
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