‘Ganjagaran’ asks nation to defy strike

‘Ganjagaran Mancha’ protesters on Wednesday urged people to dominate the streets on Thursday in defiance of the nationwide shutdown called by Jamaat-e-Islami, called demanding Delwar Hossain Sayedee’s release.

Reazul Basharand Ashik Hossainbdnews24.com
Published : 27 Feb 2013, 08:05 AM
Updated : 27 Feb 2013, 09:53 AM

The announcement made from the ‘Ganajagaran’ rally at Motijheel also asked Members of Parliament to bring their cars out during the dawn-to-dusk general strike.

The International Crimes Tribunal -1 is expected to deliver a verdict on Thursday on Jamaat leader Sayedee on charges of crimes during the nation’s nine-month bloody independence struggle in 1971.

‘Ganajagaran Mancha’ also demanded that Jamaat politics be banned for opposing the birth of Bangladesh.

“A Jamaat- Shibir strike was rejected before this. But no more rejection, we must resist them now. Let all of you be prepared.” Bangladesh Chhatra Union General Secretary Hassan Tarek, an organiser of ‘Ganajagaran Mancha’, told the thousands present in the rally.

Bangladesh Chhatra League General Secretary Siddiqui Nazmul Alam also proposed defiance. “Those of you who have jobs will go to your offices; Students will go to their educational institutions and businesspersons will continue with their trade.”

“No strike by Jamaat and Shibir will be enforced in this country”

“Prepare for their shutdown tomorrow with bamboo sticks in your hands”, Bangladesh Chhatra Moitree President Bappaditya Basu said.

”Foil attempts by Jamaat-Shibir to stage a shutdown on Thursday by coming down on the streets with your cars. Remember the price of Bangladesh’s national flag and her sovereignty is much more costlier than your vehicle.”

To the MPs, he said, “Ride the streets with you duty-free cars tomorrow (Thursday).”

Other student leaders also addressed the rally with calls to resist the nationwide lockdown.

Earlier, ‘Ganjagaran Mancha’ had given out calls to the people urging them to reject two strikes called by Jamaat and the 12 small parties.

Students and general people dominated the streets with processions in response to that call. Shutdown activists were barely visible during their strike.

”You have already shown Jamaat-Shibir that they have no place in this country by rejecting two of their strikes”, said Imran H Sarkar, spokesperson for the ‘Ganjagaran Mancha’.

“I urge you to resist tomorrow’s strike by Jamaat and Shibir and show them their places.”

Thousands of supporters roared in solidarity with the resistance call from ‘Ganjagaran Mancha’.

”We will spend this night at Prajanma Chattar. We will return home tomorrow with a verdict of death penalty”, the spokesman said.

“Keep all your businesses open. Work like you do everyday”, said Imran in the rally at the city’s commercial hub in Motijheel.

Talking directly to the International Crimes Tribunal, he said, “We do not impose any pressure on you. Please continue working in a neutral manner. Do not fear Jamaat -Shibir’s anarchy and terror.”

He demanded death penalty for Sayedee saying, “Support the call of the nation. Do not be confused. Do not have fear.”

There will be a continuous sit-in at Shahbagh starting from Wednesday night. People from all walks of life have been asked to join a mass procession that will be taken out from Shahbagh at 10am on Thursday amidst the shutdown.