AL affiliate workers’ demo against blockade near Khaleda’s office

Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Sramik League yesterday issued an ultimatum to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia to lift the countrywide blockade programme within two-days other they will resort to fast unto death in front of the National Press Club from January 25 demanding the arrest of Khaleda Zia.
“We will observe fast unto death programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club from January 25 demanding the arrest of Khaleda Zia, if she does not withdraw the blockade programme by January 24,” said Insur Ali, general secretary of Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Sramik League, while addressing a brief rally at Gulshan Circle No. 2.Earlier, some pro-Awami League labour organisations tried to gherao the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office demanding the withdrawal of 20-party’s countrywide blockade programme immediately.
Several hundred leaders and activists in the banner of Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Sramik League, Jatiya Rickshaw Van Sramik League, Dhaka District Auto rickshaw Sramik League, Dhaka District Truck and Covered Van Sramik League went in a procession towards the BNP chairpersons’ office at about 11:30am.
Law enforcers stopped them after they proceeded near Khaleda’s office. Being obstructed by law enforcers they returned to Gulshan Circle-2, held a brief rally and staged demonstrations for about two hours demanding the withdrawal of blockade programme that began from January 6.
Bangladesh Muktijoddha Projonma League, Khete Khawa Nagarbashi (Working citizens of Dhaka) and Gulshan Thana Chhatra League also took part in the programme.
Meanwhile, a group of some 30 to 40 people under the banner of Khete Khawa Nagarbashi went near to the BNP chairperson’s office at Road no 86 at about 12:15pm carrying spades and baskets.
They chanted slogans—“We want food we want work,” “We will not abide by blockade,” Stop the politics of roasting people alive,” Don’t burn the mothers and sisters alive.”
They asked for police permission to go inside the office Khaleda Zia to meet her, their request was denied.
The people of Khete Khawa Nagarbashi stayed in front of Gulshan Model School and College for sometime before leaving the area.
Huge numbers of police and members of other law enforcing agencies, water cannon, prison vans and armoured riot cars were deployed around Gulshan Circle number 2 to maintain law and order.
Movement of all transports were closed during the demonstration that began from 10:00am.
The Sramik League on Wednesday called the programme to gherao the BNP chairperson’s office through a press release. – Staff Reporter