President calls police to be stern with troublemakers

President Md Abdul Hamid has called on law enforcers to take stern action against troublemakers during the BNP-sponsored countrywide blockade.

The president, who labelled the pro-blockade elements as 'enemies of democracy', has sounded a note similar to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

On Wednesday, Hasina had ordered the police to stop violence 'at any cost' and 'without hesitation'.

Speaking at the Bangabhaban on Thursday in an event marking the Police Week, the president said:" I am deeply hurt by the recent killings of innocent people by petrol bombs and arson.

"Those involved in such anarchy are enemies of democracy, humanity and civilisation. I call upon the country's law enforcing agencies to take stern measures against them."

At least 36 people have died, mostly in cases of arson, since Jan 5, when the BNP called for an indefinite blockade of roads, rail and waterways across Bangladesh.

Over 200 persons have been injured in attacks and bombing in the last 24 days of the ongoing blockade.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who has been named in two recent cases of violence as the instigator, has decided to go on with the blockade.

The party, however, claims that the violent activities are sponsored by the government so that it can blame them for those.