DHAKA: Ahead of country’s Independence Day, March 26, BNP-led 20-party alliance has given a pause in enforcing countrywide hartal that the party was observing from Sunday to Thursday since February 1.

Instead of the hartal, the alliance will arrange protest programs in all cities, municipalities, districts and Thanas of the country, coupled with non-stop nationwide blockade.

A statement, signed by BNP joint secretary general Barkat Ullah Bulu, was issued on March 24 regarding the movement.

The statement also said 20-party’s movement was for protesting the ‘kidnapping’ of countrywide BNP leaders and activists, including its joint secretary general Salahudin Ahmed by law enforcing agency, mass arrest and extrajudicial killing.

It also urged the parties of the alliance to mark the Independence Day in befitting manner.

BDST: 0956 HRS, MAR 25, 2015