Security forces on high alert amid Jamaat-e-Islami’s countrywide shutdown

Security measures have been intensified across the country in view of the Jamaat-e-Islami's shutdown on Monday.

The party has called for the shutdown to protest the execution of its Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid for crimes against humanity in 1971.

Mujahid was hanged at the Dhaka Central Jail in the early hours of Sunday. 

There are no reports as yet of processions by Jamaat supporters nor that of any untoward incidents from anywhere in Dhaka since Monday morning.

Until Monday evening, there were no reports of processions by Jamaat supporters nor of any untoward incidents anywhere in Dhaka.

There were fewer than usual private vehicles on the streets in the morning.

Public transport was plying as usual, but long-haul bus services from Dhaka’s inter-district bus terminals were suspended.

Traffic on the streets of Dhaka is getting heavier as the day passes.

Police and para-military forces have been extensively deployed to provide security.

Jamaat called for the strike but the BNP did not join forces even though one of its senior leaders Salauddin Quader Chaudhury was also executed with Mujahid on Sunday.

Immediately after the executions, Jamaat -- in a statement posted on its website -- called for the countrywide shutdown.

The party said its leader was denied “justice” and was a victim of “political vendetta".