Another 48-hour blockade underway

The 7th phase of the nationwide 48-hour blockade of road, rail and waterway, called by the BNP and like-minded opposition parties, began on Sunday morning. The latest blockade started at 6.00 am in the morning and will end at 6.00 am on Tuesday.

The opposition parties have already observed blockades in six phases to mount pressure on the Awami League government to quit power and hold the next general election under a non-partisan administration.

The blockades have been marked by incidents of arson attacks and violence with poor public response to the street programme. During these blockades, the presence of law enforcers at several points in Dhaka is high.

The number of public transport on Dhaka roads is adequate today and people were seen heading to their destinations despite heightened tension and fear of violence. Rickshaws are dominating Dhaka streets while some private vehicles are also seen plying the streets. Vehicles of media outlets, ambulances and vehicles transporting oxygen cylinders and medicines will remain out of the purview of the blockade.

Miscreants set a bus on fire in Kumargaon of Sylhet city last night ahead of the 48-hour blockade.