Dhaka traffic defies blockade

Traffic in Dhaka appeared heavier on Thursday compared to the other days of the Opposition's recent blockades.

Blockade campaigners were not seen to be quite as active as before on the second day of the non-stop countrywide movement.

Two handmade bombs were reportedly exploded in two places in Dhaka, while security forces maintained strict vigil across the city, preventing untoward incidents.

Public service buses, along with three-wheelers, began plying since morning. Private vehicles, too, were out in greater numbers.

Long-haul buses from the inter-district terminals of Mohakhali, Sayedabad and Gabtoli were, however, off the road. But services between Dhaka and its nearby districts were on, said Jatrabari Police Station's sub-inspector Emranul Islam.

Launch and train services from Dhaka are also being operated.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority's Traffic Inspector Mohammad Sulaiman said that 5 launches had left Dhaka till 9am.

Explosions had been reported from two places in Dhaka, but no one was injured.

Shahbagh Police Station's Inspector (patrol) Md Shahid said that a few handmade bombs had been exploded around 8am at Paltan's Topkhana Road.

Around 11am, miscreants hurled handmade bombs at Bongshal's Suritola.

Bongshal Police Station's Inspector (investigations) Abul Hasan said that a few men exploded at least three bombs and fled. The police fired a few blank rounds after that.

Tight security around the BNP's Naya Paltan headquarters and Khaleda Zia's Gulshan residence resumed on Thursday.

The 18-party Opposition alliance has been enforcing countrywide blockades in phases since Nov 26 after the Election Commission announced the schedule for the national election slated for Jan 5.

The latest non-stop road, rail and waterways blockade from Jan 1 came after the Opposition had failed to hold its proposed 'march to Dhaka' and a rally at Naya Paltan on Sunday (Dec 29).

BNP chief Khaleda Zia was unable to leave her home for Naya Paltan, as the police had boxed her in.
Opposition activists also could not gather due to heavy security across Dhaka and its entry points.