The first phase of 24-hour nationwide hartal, called by Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh demanding the release of its jailed nayeb-e-ameer Delwar Hossain Sayedee, continues with stray incidents in the capital as well as other parts of the country today (Thursday). In the capital, Jamaat-Shibir activists brought out a procession in support of the shutdown at Shyamoli around 7:00am. Police later dispersed the procession through a chase. At 7.30am, a procession of pro-hartal activists dispersed in the face of police actions near Mirpur Commerce College. Activists of Jamaat-Shibir brought out a procession at Mohakhali rail crossing at 6:00am and police later drove them away. At 6.15am, police dispersed a procession of hartal supporters near Islami Bank Hospital in Shahjahanpur area. Vehicular movement in the city was almost normal and necessary policemen were deployed at the important points to fend off any untoward situation. In Narayanganj, at least 10 vehicles were vandalised from a procession of Islami Chhtra Shibir in Galachipa area of the city around 8.00am. Later, police charged baton to disperse the pickets from the area and arrested one Shibir activist. In Laxmipur, Jamaat-Shibir men brought out a procession from Miar Rasta intersection around 7.30am. Police charged baton to disperse the procession and arrested eight Jamaat-Shibir men, including Laxmipur Jamaat Amir Faruk Hossain Nur Nabi from the spot. Meanwhile, peaceful hartal continued in Bogra district. The Islamist party on Wednesday called a 48-hour countrywide hartal in two phases for Thursday and Sunday demanding the government release its leader Sayedee, jailed by the Supreme Court unto death for his crimes against humanity during the Liberation War in 1971. –UNB, Dhaka
