The 18-party opposition alliance led by the BNP is likely to withdraw its scheduled countrywide shutdown for May 2 on humanitarian grounds.
The issue was discussed at a party meeting chaired by Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan office in the capital yesterday. Senior leaders of the party including standing committee members Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain, Moudud Ahmed and ASM Hannan Shah were present at the meeting.
A standing committee member, seeking anonymity, told the Dhaka Tribune that several leaders in the meeting urged the party high-command to withdraw the hartal which was called demanding arrest of the owners of Savar’s Rana Plaza and the garment factories housed in it.
They cited that the accused were already arrested while the rescue operations were in progress. They also pointed out that organising four programmes within a week would be tough.
The issue was also discussed at a joint meeting of the party with its front and associated bodies. BNP will bring out a mourning rally today. Party chief Khaleda is set to address a workers’ rally in Narayanganj on May 1 to mark the May Day. A public rally will be held in the capital on May 4.
