The daylong hartal, called by BNP to protest the schedule for the next national election, is underway in a lax manner. BNP called the hartal on the last date for submitting nomination papers to contest the 12th parliamentary polls. The hartal started at 6 am and will end at 6 pm today (November 30, 2023). Two covered vans were set on fire by miscreants in Gazipur. BNP to enforce daylong hartal Thursday Despite fear of arson attacks, a number of vehicles including public transport were seen plying the city streets. Additional police were seen performing their duties at all key points of Dhaka. The opposition parties’ shutdown is meant to register their protest against the schedule for the next national election announced by the Election Commission (EC), and to mount pressure on the government to quit, hold the next election under a non-party neutral government and release the opposition leaders and activists, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. BNP to enforce blockade Wednesday, hartal Thursday The 24-hour blockade called by the opposition parties on Wednesday was marked by stray incidents of arson attacks on vehicles. The opposition parties have so far observed blockades in eight phases.

The next national election of Bangladesh will be held as per the constitution under the independent Election Commission, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said. “The election won’t stop for any political party. There are multiple political parties who want to join the election. Why do you think that election won’t be acceptable if one or two parties do not participate? To participate in the election is a political right, and if a party doesn’t use it, that’s up to them,” he said.  The Road Transport and Bridges Minister came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after placing a wreath on the grave of Sheikh Russel at Banani Graveyard in Dhaka. Today (October 18, 2023) marks the 60th birth anniversary of the youngest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Next polls will be held as per constitution: Obaidul Quader “The law enforcing agencies are arresting those who were involved in arson, vandalism and were accused in arms and murder cases,” Quader said. Khandaker Mushtaq and Ziaur Rahman had started the politics of murder and conspiracy in the country in 1975 and their successor BNP is still continuing it, said the Awami League leader.  Obaidul Quader says dragging out dead caretaker system will bring no gain Expressing the determination to eradicate the politics of murder and conspiracy under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, he said, “Our fight will continue until we make the country safe and livable for innocent children like Sheikh Russel.” Awami League leaders and activists led by its general secretary placed wreaths on the grave of Sheikh Russel and offered munajat there. Game to be played in October, December, and in first week of January: Obaidul Quader