‘No support for shutdown, blockade’

Health Minister Mohammed Nasim has said BNP is being obstinate in imposing blockades and shutdowns.

He said people are against such disruptions.

“There is no crisis in the country,” the minister claimed at the Razarbag Police Lines Auditorium on Wednesday night.

State Minister for Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was present at the discussion.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is leading the anti-government agitation demanding a snap general election, called for the nonstop blockade after being barred from holding a rally on Jan 5, the first anniversary of the last general election.

The 20-Party Alliance has called for several strikes amid the blockade.

“Offices are closed during blockades while barricades and prohibitory orders are violated. What is this movement all about?” the Awami League leader said stressing that there was no response from the people for the strikes and shutdown.

He addressed the police saying, “We have also organised movements. You were the ones who beat me up.

“Can a movement be done if police’s barbed wires are not crossed?”

The police personnel in the auditorium broke into laughter at this.

He called BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders ‘cowards’ and said, “Calling for a movement they avoid the streets and instigate covert attacks on the people. The police are ensuring people’s security by arresting these assailants.”