BNP
48-hour hartal: 16 arson attacks reported till Monday morning
At least sixteen arson attacks were recorded till 9 am on Monday morning during the 48-hour hartal called by BNP, Jammat and some like-minded parties.
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A total of 16 vehicles were set on fire by miscreants during this time and three of those were set on fire inside Dhaka city, said Talha Bin Zashim, station officer of Fire Service and Civil Defense Media Cell.
Day 2 of hartal underway with regular traffic on Dhaka streets
Meanwhile, four arson attacks were reported in Dhaka division including Dhaka city, seven in Rajshahi, four in Chattogram, and one in Mymensingh division.
Nine buses, six trucks, one covered van, One CNG-run autorickshaw and three carriages of a train were burnt during this period.
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A total of 144 members of 29 firefighting units worked to douse the fires across the country during this period, added the fire officer.
Day 2 of hartal underway with regular traffic on Dhaka streets
The second day of the countrywide 48-hour hartal, called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties, protesting the general election schedule, is underway.
This is the first hartal being observed by the opposition parties since the Election Commission announced the polls schedule.
The ongoing hartal will end at 6 am tomorrow (November 21, 2023).
The presence of public transport on Dhaka roads seems usual this morning despite heightened tension and fear of violence.
Read: First day of hartal ends amid sporadic incidents of violence, arson
BNP, Jamaat and likeminded opposition parties called the hartal after they had earlier observed five countrywide blockades of roads, rail and waterways. The blockades were marked by frequent burning of vehicles, particularly buses, in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country.
The presence of law enforcement personnel at several points in Dhaka is higher this morning compared to the blockades.
The first day of the hartal, yesterday, was marked by sporadic incidents of arson attacks and clashes.
According to reports, ten people were injured in a clash between police and BNP in Sunamganj while a primary school and a number of vehicles including a train were torched yesterday across the country.
Read: BNP, allies hold rallies to mark hartal in different parts of capital
A total of 235 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and 460 patrol teams of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) were deployed in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country to maintain law and order during the hartal.
Earlier on Saturday, BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi called upon people from all walks of life and opposition leaders and activists to observe the hartal peacefully and make it a success.
First day of hartal ends amid sporadic incidents of violence, arson
The first day of the 48-hour hartal, enforced by the BNP and some like-minded parties and alliances, passed off on Sunday amid sporadic incidents of arson and clashes.
The shutdown began at 6am on Sunday and will end at 6am on Tuesday.
According to the reports reached at UNB news desk ten people were injured in a clash between police and BNP in Sunamganj while a primary school and a number of vehicles including a train were torched during the shutdown across the country.
In the capital, miscreants set a CNG-run auto rickshaw on fire after hurling a crude bomb in front of ‘One Star Hotel’ on Kazi Alauddin Road in Old Dhaka around 8:30 am, said Talha Bin Zashim, station officer of the Fire Service and Civil Defence (media cell).
In Sunamganj, at least 10 people including policemen and journalists were injured in a clash between BNP activists and law enforcers during picketing.
Locals said that BNP activists brought out a procession in favour of the hartal in Puratan Bus Stand area around 11 am and vandalised some vehicles, causing panic on the streets.
In Gazipur, miscreants set fire to a tin-shed room of Gilashawar Late A. Jabbar Government Primary School under Bormi union in Sreepur upazila early today, police said.
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In Sylhet, Chhatra Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal leaders and activists took out processions in support of the hartal at multiple points of the city, including the airport, Tuker Bazar, and Medical Road area, in the early hours of Sunday.
A truck was vandalised during the shutdown at airport road in Khasdabir area.
BNP leaders and activists took out a procession in support of the hartal at Shahi Eidgah area of the city around 1:30pm.
Witnesses said several crude bombs were exploded in the area.
In Narayanganj, police arrested Mohammad Shaheb Hawladar, president of Narayanganj College unit Chhatra Dal along with a bottle of petrol and 20 tyres from Boubazar Canalpara in Siddhirganj on Saturday night, said Golam Mostafa, officer-in-charge of Siddhirganj Police Station.
In Feni, miscreants set a goods-laden covered van on fire at Lalpole Latu Mia road on Dhaka-Chattogram highway early Sunday, said Shahidul Islam, officer-in-charge of Feni Model Police Station.
In Natore, miscreants torched a stationary truck after pouring petrol on the Natore-Bogura highway at Bhabaniganj in Natore district town early Sunday.
In Chattogram, police arrested ten BNP men when they brought out a procession in support of hartals from different parts of the district.
BNP, allies hold rallies to mark hartal in different parts of capital
The presence of law enforcement personnel at several points in Dhaka is higher today compared to the previous blockades.
Number of public transport on Dhaka streets was fewer than that during the blockades.
Rickshaws are dominating Dhaka streets while a few private vehicles are on the road.
Unidentified arsonists set seven vehicles on fire, including a passenger train, in Dhaka and across the country between 7 pm last night and 6 am today, ahead of the 48-hour countrywide hartal.
Three buses were torched in the capital’s Gulistan, Dhanmondi and Mirpur areas last night.
One bus each in Cumilla and Chattogram and a pickup van in Joypurhat were also set on fire ahead of the hartal.
Arsonists set three compartments of the ‘Jamuna Express’ train on fire in Sarishabari upazila of Jamalpur district early today.
Miscreants exploded three crude bombs in front of the residence of Dhaka University vice chancellor last night, spreading panic among students.
According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence control room, eleven arson attacks were recorded in the past 15 hours, from 6 pm Saturday till 9 am on Sunday.
Of these, five were set on fire inside Dhaka city while three in Rajshahi division, two in Chattogram, and one in Mymensingh, said Talha Bin Zashim, station officer of Fire Service and Civil Defence (media cell).
A total of 235 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across the country to maintain law and order as the 48-hour countrywide hartal across the country, said Shariful Islam, public relations officer (PRO) at BGB headquarters.
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Meanwhile, a total of 460 patrol teams of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have been deployed in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country to maintain law and order during the shutdown.
This is the first hartal being observed by the opposition parties since the EC announced the polls schedule.
BNP, Jamaat and other opposition parties called the hartal after they had earlier observed five spells of countrywide blockades of roads, rail and waterways.
The blockades were marked by frequent burning of vehicles, particularly buses, in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country.
At a press briefing yesterday, BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi called upon people from all walks of life and opposition leaders and activists to observe the hartal peacefully and make it a success.
BNP, allies hold rallies to mark hartal in different parts of capital
The BNP and some like-minded parties and alliances, staged demonstrations and rallies in different areas of the capital on Sunday, in support of their ongoing 48-hour hartal in protest against the schedule for the next national election.
The opposition parties urged the Election Commission (EC) to immediately cancel the schedule for holding a credible and inclusive election.
The leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies brought out sudden processions in different areas, including Tejgaon, Fakirapool,Jhigatola, Badda, Malibagh, Gulshan, Banani, Green Road, Dhanmondai, Ramna, Mothijheel during the first day of the 48-hour hartal.
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As in the previous days since October 29, BNP’s Nayapaltan central office remained locked on Sunday amid the presence of law enforcers on roads on both sides in front of the BNP central office.
Ganatantra Mancha, Jatiyatabadi Somomana Jote, Gono Odhikar Parishad, 12-party alliance LDP, Labour Party, Bangladesh Sadharon Chhatra Odhikar Songrokkhon Parishad, Gonoforum-NPP and Left Democratic Alliance also staged demonstrations and rallies in Bijoynagar, Purana Paltan, Nightingale crossing, Jatiya Press Club and Motijheel areas.
From these processions and rallies, the opposition leaders and activists chanted various slogans against the Election Commission and the government for their ‘attempt’ to hold a lopsided election.
BNP and other opposition parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, enforced the shutdown at 6am across the country.
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This is the first hartal being observed by the opposition parties since the EC announced to hold the 12-parliamentary polls on January 7.
On November 15, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal announced that the 12th parliamentary election of the country will be held on January 7.
Ganatantra Mancha brought out a procession at Bijoynagar around 12:30pm that ended in front of the Jatiya Press Club through a brief rally.
Speaking at the rally, the alliance leaders alleged that the Awami League government wants to hold another 'farcical' election like in 2014 and 2018, leaving the country and its people in danger.
Chief coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon Junaid Saki said most of the country’s opposition parties are now united to resist a one-sided election under the current government.
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He said Awami League wants to score in an empty field without any opponent. “If another lopsided election is held, the country will not only face an economic crisis but also a terrible diplomatic crisis in the international arena," he added.
Saki said the government is putting the country's people in danger just to hang onto power by any means.
He said the Jatiya Party, an alliance partner of Awami League, is also saying no fair election is possible under the current regime.
"Shame on Awami League as it is canvassing for vote rigging as election. We the people will not allow the future of Bangladesh to be destroyed like this. That's why we’ll continue this movement and we will turn victorious,” Saki observed.
Saiful Haque, general secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party urged the government to create a democratic environment by suspending the election schedule, releasing all opposition leaders and workers unconditionally and withdrawing thousands of cases filed against them.
“All people rejected the election schedule. Even then, the leaders of the ruling party are making false statements resorting to deception. Even the devil gets ashamed of hearing their (AL leaders') deceitful statements,” he said.
Cops, journalists among 10 injured during BNP-police clash in Sunamganj
At least 10 people including policemen and journalists were injured in a clash between BNP activists and law enforcers during picketing amid the 48-hour hartal being observed by the party and like-minded opposition parties.
Locals said that BNP activists brought out a procession in favour of the hartal in Puratan Bus Stand area around 11 am and vandalised some vehicles, causing panic on the streets.
Also read: 11 arson attacks reported in 15 hours: Fire Service
A clash broke out when police barred the BNP men from marching forward, they said.
At one stage of the altercation, the picketers hurled brickbats targeting the law enforcers who retaliated with tear gas shells, they said.
Rajan Kumar Das, additional superintendent of district police, said they used tear shells and opened blank fire to control the situation.
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Ten people, including three policemen, were injured in the clash, he said, adding that the situation is now under their control.
Local BNP leaders could not be reached over the phone for comments in this connection.
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48-hour hartal called by BNP, others begins amid fear of violence
A 48-hour hartal — called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties — protesting the general election schedule announced by the Election Commission (EC) is underway from this morning (November 19, 2023) amid fear of violence.
This is the first hartal being observed by the opposition parties since the EC announced the polls schedule.
BNP, Jamaat and other opposition parties called the hartal after they had earlier observed five countrywide blockades of roads, rail and waterways. The blockades were marked by frequent burning of vehicles, particularly buses, in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country.
The presence of law enforcement personnel at several points in Dhaka is higher today compared to the previous blockades.
Read more: 'Scrap polls schedule, create atmosphere for fair election first': BNP
Number of public transport on Dhaka streets was fewer than that during the blockades. Many were seen heading towards their destinations on foot amid heightened tension and fear of violence.
Rickshaws are dominating Dhaka streets while a few private vehicles are on the road.
Unidentified arsonists set seven vehicles on fire, including a passenger train, in Dhaka and across the country between 7 pm last night and 6 am today, ahead of the 48-hour countrywide hartal.
Three buses were torched in the capital’s Gulistan, Dhanmondi and Mirpur areas last night.
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One bus each in Cumilla and Chattogram and a pickup van in Joypurhat were also set on fire ahead of the hartal.
Arsonists set three compartments of ‘Jamuna Express’ train on fire in Sarishabari upazila of Jamalpur early today.
Miscreants exploded three crude bombs in front of the residence of Dhaka University vice chancellor last night, spreading panic among students.
At a press briefing yesterday, BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi called upon people from all walks of life and opposition leaders and activists to observe the hartal peacefully and make it a success.
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No scope for dialogue now: Quader acknowledges receiving Donald Lu’s letter from Peter Haas
As Election Commission will announce the schedule of the next general election of Bangladesh any time, no scope is left for dialogue now, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said today (November 15, 2023).
“We have urged BNP several times to consider dialogue with us, without any condition. But there is no scope right now,” he said.
The road transport and bridges minister came up with the remark while talking to reporters at the Secretariat.
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“We have received a letter from Donald Lu (US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs). US Ambassador Peter Haas was here to give us the letter this morning. We can respond (to the letter) after holding a discussion with the party chief, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” the AL leader said.
“I have read the letter, and it is about holding free, fair and neutral election,” he added.
Responding to a question, Quader said, “Those who believe in democracy can’t avoid dialogue. The EC is set to announce the polls schedule, so now there is no scope to hold a dialogue.”
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Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal is set to address the nation and announce the schedule for the upcoming general election at 7 pm today (November 15, 2023), Election Commission has said.
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Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar will broadcast the CEC’s speech in the evening, EC Secretary Jahangir Alam said while briefing reporters this morning.
214 BGB platoons deployed across the country
To maintain law and order, a total of 214 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across the country amid the ongoing blockade called by BNP, Jamaat and like-mided opposition parties and the unrest in the readymade garments (RMG) sector.
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Thirty-three BGB platoons have been deployed around garment factories in Dhaka and adjacent areas, said Shariful Islam, public relations officer at BGB headquarters.
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Another 48-hour blockade, called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties to press home their one-point demand, is underway today.
As another blockade begins, AL and associate bodies set to hold peace rallies in Ctg
As another blockade begins, AL and associate bodies set to hold peace rallies in Ctg
Another 48-hour blockade, called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties to press home their one point demand, began this morning (November 15, 2023) with traffic movement on the streets.
The latest blockade started at 6 am today and will end at 6 am on Friday.
Dhaka city is witnessing an increase in vehicular movement and commuters on the streets.
People were seen rushing to their respective destinations. Rickshaws are dominating the city roads.
48-hour blockade: Two buses set ablaze in Gazipur
Earlier on Tuesday, miscreants set four buses on fire in Dhaka’s Mirpur area ahead of the blockade called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties.
Meanwhile in Chattogram city, Awami League and its associate bodies will hold peace rallies at 19 points against BNP-Jamaat’s blockade.
The points include Darul Fazal Market premises, Kathgarh, Saltgola crossing, Badamtoli, Bohaddarhat, Naya Bazar, AK Khan, City Gate, Wasa, Muradpur, Kaptai Road, Oxygen, Aman Bazar, Moti Tower, Bakolia Access Road, Natun Bridge, Andorkilla and Dewanhat intersection.
After a pause for a day, BNP and like-minded opposition parties called yet another 48-hour countrywide road-rail-waterway blockade beginning from Wednesday to mount pressure on the Awami League government to quit power and hold the next election under a non-partisan administration.
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BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programme at a virtual press briefing on Monday afternoon.
BNP and other opposition parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have been enforcing blockades across the country since Oct 31.
BNP’s like-minded parties announce fresh 48-hour blockade from Wednesday
BNP itself locked its central office: DMP Chief
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman on Tuesday (November 14, 2023) said BNP itself locked its central office in the capital’s Nayapaltan.
“If BNP leaders want, they can carry out their activities in the office and there is no bar from our side,” the DMP chief said while replying to a question from reporters after visiting the people injured in various arson incidents at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
“He said that the police remain deployed in front of the BNP office throughout the year for security. As part of regular duty, police are guarding there. BNP has locked its party office on October 28. However, they can carry out party activities in the office if they want,” he added.
Read: DMP warns of legal actions against destructive acts in name of political programme
In response to a question, the commissioner said that the parked vehicles are being burned and police are working to stop these attacks. “We have given various instructions at the field level. As a result, we managed to arrest many perpetrators with the help of the public.”
The DMP chief also sought people’ cooperation to stop these violence. He also assured that they will provide financial support to the victims.
Read: 1636 people arrested in 112 cases in 10 days since October 28: DMP
Processes are underway to take strict action against the perpetrators of this atrocity, he said.
A total of 19 people have been arrested in connection with the arson violence he said adding that no one will be spared.