The BNP-led 18-party alliance on Monday announced non-stop blockade programme across the country from 6:00am on Wednesday protesting the government obstruction to organise March to Dhaka for Democracy programme and demanding cancellation of January 5 general elections.
BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s adviser Advocate Khandaker Mahbub Hossain announced the fresh programme at a press conference at his
Basundhara residence on Monday night on behalf the opposition leader.
“We will observe non-stop blockade programme since Tuesday morning demanding cancellation of January 5 farcical elections and holding of
polls on the basis of a consensus postponing the election schedule.
The non-stop and peaceful blockade programme will continue until the next announcement,” he said.
As part of the programme, he said the 18-party alliance would stage demonstration across the country protesting the government obstruction
to March to Dhaka for Democracy programme.
Earlier, the law enforcing agencies and ruling party activists foiled the attempt of the opposition to stage it March to Dhaka for Democracy
programme on Sunday and Monday.
Mahbub Hossain called upon the people to take to the streets to save the democracy in the country.
“The country will be brought to a standstill through observing the non-stop blockade. Though it may cause sufferings to the people and
country’s economy, we will request all to make the programme successful in the greater interest of country,” he said.
Mahbub Hossain, also the vice-chairman of the Bangladesh Bar Council, warned the government the consequence would be severe if it further
obstructs us to carryout the blockade programme.
Replying to a question on the success of the opposition programme, he said the look at the situation on the streets shows the success of
their programme.
“The government has been forced to create obstruction to prevent the people to come to Dhaka to join the Dhaka march programme sensing that
lakhs of people will gather in the city,” he said.
The senior lawyer criticised the government to mass arrest of BNP leaders including freedom fighters Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram and
Shamser Mobin Chowdhury and said, opposition leader is concerned over the autocratic role of the government.
He said the people are prepared to take to the streets for the sake of country democracy. – Staff Reporter
