Staff Reporter :
Police on Thursday intercepted the transport workers’ move to besiege the office of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia at Gulshan in the city.
The transport workers under the banner of several organisations tried to besiege the office protesting the BNP-led 20-party alliance’s ongoing countrywide hartal-blockade programme. Being obstructed, some of the organisations gave a two-day ultimatum to the BNP chief till Saturday to lift the ongoing blockade. Otherwise, they will observe hunger programme in front of the National Press Club on Sunday.
Bangladesh Road Transport Workers’ League (BRTWL), Sarak Paribahan Sramik League, Muktijoddha Prajanma League, Sammilito Gari Chalok Somaj, Garments Sramik Somonnoy Parishad, Dhaka District Human Hauler Road Transport Workers’ Union and Dhaka District Truck & Covered Van Workers’ Union tried to besiege Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan office, demanding withdrawal of the blockade.
Earlier, members of the BRTWL gathered at Gulshan-2 circle and after holding a rally they tried to march towards Khaleda Zia’s office to surround it. But, police stopped them at North Road, near the office.
Garments Sramik Somonnoy Parishad and others also gathered at Gulshan-2 circle and joined the programme.
“Khaleda Zia must call off the blockade by Saturday. Otherwise, we will sit in front of the National Press Club from Sunday and fast until death,” said BRTWL General Secretary Insur Ali.
Meanwhile, Sarak Paribahan Sramik League and some other organisations also gathered in front of the National Press Club and they started the march towards the Gulshan office. But police intercepted them at Shantinagar.
Around noon, about 60 people, seemingly from the marginal level of the society, under banner ‘Khete Khawa Nagarbasi’ appeared at Gulshan road 86 with shovels and baskets.
They were chanting slogans against the blockade claiming they were its worst victim and reportedly hurled about eight eggs targeting Khaleda Zia’s office.
They were stopped by the police as well. They sat in for a demonstration and continued with their slogans. Most of them appeared to be day labourers.
