A daylong hartal, called by BNP and like-minded opposition parties to protest the Election Commission's announced schedule for the next national election under the Awami League-led government, is underway.
It is the fourth hartal by the opposition parties since October 29, along with eleven blockades, as part of their anti-government movement. Today’s hartal began at 6 am and will end at 6 pm.
Despite fear of arson attacks, a number of vehicles including public transport were seen plying Dhaka streets.
Four people including a child were killed as arsonists set fire to the Dhaka-bound Mohanganj Express train in the capital's Tejgaon Railway station area just before the hartal started. Additional police were seen performing their duties at all key points of Dhaka.
On Saturday, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the hartal during a virtual press briefing.
He called upon the country's people and the supporters of BNP and other opposition parties to observe the hartal and make it a success.
ARS
