DHAKA: The 48-hour, called by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led 20-party alliance, is underway across the country on Tuesday – second day of the shutdown – in a relax mood.

Began at 6:00am Monday, the shutdown is set to continue till 6:00am on Wednesday, coupled with ongoing nationwide blockade for indefinite period.

No acts of sabotages were reported across the country the country Monday night except an attempt of arson attack at the house of Upazila Nirbhai Officer (UNO) at Sadar Uapzail in Kishoreganj.

The alliance, however, has kept Dhaka and Chittagong metropolitan cities out of the purview of the shutdown due to city corporation polls.

Earlier, BNP joint secretary general Barkat-ullah Bulu announced the shutdown on Sunday issuing a press statement.

According the statement, the alliance will observe the countrywide shutdown demanding ‘safe return’ of enforce disappeared BNP leaders, including its joint secretary general Salahuddin Ahmed, release of 20-party’s senior leaders and fresh parliamentary election under non-party neutral government.

People of the country, all levels leaders-activists of BNP and 20-party were called to observe the 48-hour hartal and non-stop blockade peacefully.

This is the ninth spell of shutdowns, sponsored by the alliance, as the country has been going through series of shutdowns for the previous eight 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: 0740 HRS, MAR 31, 2015