Chittagong shuns Islamists' strike

The port city of Chittagong has shown no signs of joining a daylong general strike called by Islamist parties demanding Abdul Latif Siddique's arrest for his anti-Hajj remark.

No report of any untoward incident or any processions and rallies in support of the shutdown came in on Sunday.

Even the strikers were absent from the streets.

Public transport increased as the day advanced. Private vehicles, which usually stay off the road during shutdowns, were out in good numbers.

Private and public establishments worked normally.

However, long-haul buses did not leave the city, though rail services remained normal.

Police said traffic on the Chittagong-Cox's Bazar road, too, was normal.

Jamaat-e-Islami, which endorsed the strike, did not take out processions or try to create unrest.