BNP calls yet another blockade

BNP-led 18-party alliance has called yet another 72-hour transport blockade across the country.

It will begin at 6am on Tuesday and end at 6am on Friday, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said on Monday.

The latest is the fourth spell of blockades the Opposition is about to enforce across Bangladesh.

Roads, railways and waterways will be subjected to holdups this time, too, like in the three previous spells, said Nazrul Islam said.

He hoped the people would act "spontaneously" to back the movement "for their greater interest”, he told the press at the BNP chief’s Gulshan office.

More than 75 people had died during last three countrywide blockades spread over 14 days since Nov 26.

Although the last blockade ended on last Friday morning, BNP ally Jamaat-e-Islami called a general strike on Sunday, just the day before Victory Day on Monday, to protest the hanging of Jamaat leader and war crimes convict Abdul Quader Molla.

Blaming the government for the violence during the blockade, Nazrul Islam said movement would be called off only after the ‘people’s demands’ were met.

The ruling Awami League is, however, going ahead with the next general election scheduled on Jan 5 despite the resistance of the 18-party opposition alliance.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had on Saturday warned the Opposition of firm measures to deal with violence unleashed in the name of a movement.

Nazrul Islam claimed the government was working to hold a "farcical election". "They are going to have 154 candidates elected uncontested in a stage-managed election, ignoring the people’s demand and by keeping the opposition out.”

“We have heard about elections being held without voters, but now the world will see elections without candidates.”