DHAKA: Government is going to show zero tolerance soon to prevent sabotages during the ongoing indefinite nationwide road-rail-waterways blockade and frequent hartal by BNP-led 20-party alliance.

Sources concerned said after the concluding of the 2nd phase of the Ijtema, law enforcement agencies will launch special drives if the prevailing political conditions continue to deteriorate.

At 19 people were killed and scores injured in the violence and arson attacks since the indefinite blockade, called by BNP-led alliance, on January 5.  Hundreds of vehicles were vandalized and torched at places across the country.

Several ministers and senior leaders of ruling Awami League (AL) told banglanews that government has no way to step back or show tolerance either to prevent such kind of violence and anarchy.

In these circumstances, government will have to take toughest measures to bring the existing situations under control, said the ministers and the leaders.

On Thursday, State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, in a meeting of AL-led 14-party alliance, said that the ongoing crisis will be ended soon.

Quoting the minister, several leaders who attended the meeting told banglanews that government has already taken all-out measures and situation has already been brought under control at different districts.

The minister also sought the help of leaders of the 14-party alliance to bring the situation under control at the rest of the districts soon, the leaders added.

Sources concerned said government is looking into the recent arson attacks, sabotages, blast and destructive activities and trying to trace those who are behind these violent activities.

Kamal also hinted that law enforcement agencies will get necessary orders soon to take stern action to prevent the ongoing sabotage and maintain the law and order, according to the meeting sources.

The sources added that the minister also told the meeting that people involved in sabotages have already been identified and actions will be taken against them soon.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina warned of taking stern action against BNP and its allies to protect people’s lives and properties unless they don’t stop terror activities in the name of hartal and blockade.

Referring to Hasina’s remarks, a senior AL leader said the premier has frequently been urging BNP to refrain from the violence.

Government has given enough time to BNP-led alliance before taking tough stances against them, added the leader.

BDST: 1200 HRS, JAN 16, 2015