No shutdown call in BNP statement

A media statement, purportedly signed by BNP leader Barkatullah Bulu, has announced different plans for Wednesday, but no call extending the nationwide shutdown has been made in it.

After the 20-Party alliance started enforcing a nationwide transport blockade from Jan 5, unconfirmed media statements in the BNP's name have been calling strikes five days a week since February.
 
The statement sent on Tuesday said the party would take out mass processions across the country on Wednesday.
 
It urged all BNP leaders and activists to observe the Independence Day on Thursday with humility.
 
Another statement, apparently also signed by BNP Joint Secretary General Bulu, on Saturday announced a three-day general strike starting Sunday and ending on 6am Wednesday.
 
But Tuesday’s one only called for protest processions at all levels throughout the country on Wednesday, which means there would not be any shutdowns until Thursday, Bangladesh Independence Day which is a public holiday.
 
The statement, however, maintained that the blockade would continue.
 
The BNP and its allies have been enforcing the blockade for nearly three months now to press for a snap election.
 
The ruling Awami League has outright rejected their demand.
 
Bulu’s name is being used in statements since the alleged disappearance of Joint Secretary General Salahuddin Ahmed earlier this month.
 
Their agitation has disrupted the SSC and equivalent examinations but educational institutions and offices have been functioning normally. Vehicular movement too has been unaffected.
 
Since it started, the blockade was marred by clashes and major violence that included firebombings and bomb blasts. But the number of such attacks have declined in recent weeks .