Jamaat-BNP on the streets amid banned AL's lockdown in Ctg, Satkhira, Rajshahi
Earlier, the banned Awami League announced the "Dhaka Lockdown" programme for today (13 November) ahead of the International Crimes Tribunal announcing the verdict date in a case concerning crimes against humanity during last year's uprising.
Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP leaders and activists have taken up positions on the streets in Chattogram and Satkhira, amid the lockdown programme announced by the Awami League.
They have been seen holding their sit-in programme at various important intersections of the Chattogram since morning.
No clashes or violence have occurred anywhere. Police were seen at important points of the city while traffic remains normal.
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Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) Assistant Commissioner (Media) Aminur Rashid told TBS that no untoward incident has taken place anywhere. The police are on high alert.
"Adequate force has been deployed but there have been no arrests. Everything is normal," he added.
It can be seen from the ground that traffic is normal in the city's Muradpur, Bahaddarhat, Hamzarbagh, Chawkbazar and Gate No. 2 and Provartak More areas.
Jamaat-e-Islami took up positions in Muradpur and Badarhat areas from 10am today (13 November). During this time, they spoke, raised slogans and performed revolutionary songs in protest. The leaders of the organization said that the sit-in program will continue until the evening.
Jamaat-nominated parliamentary candidate for Chattogram-10 (Khulshi-Pahartali-Halishahar) constituency, Shamsuzzaman Helali, said, "This is our movement to ensure fair elections and justice for the oppressors. Since 1971, there has been a lot of bloodshed and extrajudicial killings in this country. Those who are in favor of independence are on the streets today, and those who are in favor of the boat are against independence."
On the other hand, leaders and activists of BNP, Swechchhasebak Dal and their affiliates held a sit-in programme in Bahaddarhat area.
Abu Bakar, joint convener of Chattogram Metropolitan Swechchhasebak Dal, said, "The people of the country are eager to vote in the elections. But an unbearable situation is prevailing in the country now, to change this everyone has taken to the streets. We are on the streets to stop any kind of evil attempt by fascist forces."
Kafil Uddin Ahmed, who was elected as the central president of the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association, told The Business Standard that long-distance traffic is normal. The percentage of passengers is slightly less. No obstacles are being faced anywhere.
BNP protests AL's arson and subversive activities in Satkhira
The Satkhira district unit of BNP staged a protest rally condemning the acts of arson and other subversive activities reportedly by the banned Awami League across the country.
The demonstration began at 12pm today (13 November) with a procession from New Market intersection in Satkhira town, which concluded at Khulna Road intersection with a rally.
District BNP Joint Convener Taskin Ahmed Chishti, Member Secretary Abu Zahid Dabul, and several other leaders addressed the gathering.
BNP leaders accused the Awami League of engaging in "arson terrorism" nationwide, causing harm to lives and property, and attempting to destabilise the country under the pretext of a lockdown. They warned that such actions would not be tolerated and vowed to resist them.
Meanwhile, no visible impact of the Awami League's so-called lockdown programme was observed in the district, where overall activities remained normal.
Earlier, the banned Awami League announced the "Dhaka Lockdown" programme for today (13 November) ahead of the International Crimes Tribunal announcing the verdict date in a case concerning crimes against humanity during last year's uprising.
Three individuals, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, are facing trial.
Rajshahi
Leaders and activists of the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP were seen taking positions at different locations in the district. A sense of tension and anxiety was reported among city residents, with slightly fewer people on the streets compared to regular days.
However, vehicular movement remained normal, and shops, offices, and courts were open as usual.
Rajshahi Metropolitan Police spokesperson and Additional Deputy Commissioner Gaziur Rahman said, "Routine checks are being conducted at various checkpoints, and patrols have been strengthened across the city. The situation remains normal, and no untoward incidents have been reported."
