DHAKA: DHAKA: The BNP-led 20-party alliance Saturday called another spell of 72-hour countrywide hartal from Sunday to realize their demands including ‘restoration of the people’s rights’.
 
The shutdown will begin at 6:00am Sunday and continue until 6:00am Wednesday, according to a press statement issued by BNP Joint Secretary General Barkatullah Bulu.

The statement said, the shutdown was called demanding immediate release of BNP leaders and activists, including party joint secretary Salauddin Ahmed and protesting force disappearance, murder, kidnap, torture and arrest en’ masse across the country.

The alliance, in the statement, urged its leaders-activists and people of the country to observe the nationwide shutdown as well as blockade peacefully.

This is the eighth spell of shutdowns, sponsored by the alliance, as the country went through series of hartals for the previous six weeks, which were followed by a two-day break during the weekends only.

In addition to the shutdown, a nationwide blockade is underway for indefinite period since Khaleda Zia has announced the blockade on January 5 protesting government’s bar to obverse the ‘democracy killing day’ and her ‘confinement’ to Gulshan political office.

On that day, ruling Awami League marked the first year of its 5-year tenure since it takes office through January 5 polls, which BNP boycotted.

BDST: 1600 HRS, MAR 21, 2015