The BNP-led 20-party alliance yesterday extended the ongoing 72-hour countrywide hartal by another 48-hour protesting the killing of opposition activists in the name of “cross fire”, mass arrest, interference in the judiciary, repression on journalists, controlling media and demanding restoration of voting rights of people, democracy and release of political prisoners.
With the extension, the ongoing countrywide shutdown began at 6:00am on Sunday will continue till 6:00am on Friday without any break side by side the ongoing countrywide blockade programme that passed 36th day yesterday.BNP joint secretary general Salahuddin Ahmed announced the extension of hartal through a press statement from an unidentified location. The SSC examinations for Thursday has thus become uncertain.
The hartal has also been extended as the government did not accept the demand of the 20-party alliance to hold a dialogue for holding an inclusive election under a non-partisan administration, said the statement.
Earlier, the 20-party alliance enforced a weeklong hartal from February 1 forcing the government to reschedule the dates of SSC examinations.
The BNP leader expressed his determination to continue the ongoing “peaceful and democratic” movement until the government announces a declaration for an inclusive poll by tendering resignation.
In his statement, Salahuddin Ahmed said the desire of the ruling Awami League to retain power permanently is the main reason behind the ongoing political stalemate.
He said the government’s using the law enforcers illegally to eliminate the opposition to retain power at any cost has become a challenge for them.
The BNP leader said the government has confessed to its non existence with taking the decision not to ply vehicles on the highway after 9:00pm.
He said that the government has no alternative but to surrender before the movement of the people.
On behalf of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, he greeted the people for making the hartal programme a success and urged them to continue the movement until its success is achieved.
He said the pro-democratic people are now united under the leadership of Khaleda Zia and ongoing movement has almost reached the door step of victory. – Staff Reporter
