The main opposition BNP, expressing solidarity with the Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh’s siege programme, distributed food and drinks to the Islamists.
Terming the Hefazat activists as Musafir, Shamsuzzaman Dudu, adviser to the BNP chairperson, asked the people of Dhaka city to stand beside the Hefazat men.
From early in the morning, BNP leaders and supporters distributed food items from in front of the party’s Naya Paltan headquarters, as Hefazat activists marched towards Motijheel to attend the rally.
C, the BNP claimed. Leaders and supporters across the country were urged to express their solidarity with the Hefazat programme.
“More than million supporters of the BNP-led 18 party alliance joined the long-march programme. We distributed dry food, water and medicines among the Hefazat activists on humanitarian grounds,” Shamsuzzaman Dudu told the Dhaka Tribune.
On Saturday, BNP chairperson and leader of the opposition Khaleda Zia said, “I am supporting the Hefazat programme. I am asking the government not to hinder their programme. If the government hinders it, then a dreadful situation will be created in the country.”
Several medical teams provided medical assistance in the programme area as some Hefazat men were injured when they were locked in clashes with law enforcement officers at different points in the capital.
The party’s student wing Chhatra Dal, youth wing Jubo Dal and volunteer wing Secchasebak Dal remained busy distributing food and beverages. Watermelon and cucumber were also distributed to welcome them.
It was seen that BNP leaders and activists in the party’s Naya Paltan headquarters were clad in Panjabi, Pyjama and cap.
Party activists welcomed the Hefazat leaders and activists through hand mike announcements and said, “Hefazat brothers. There is water and food for you. Take something.”
When the Hefazat men crossed in front of the BNP office, the vice chairman of BNP Sadeque Hossain Khoka and finance secretary Abdus Salam raised their hands and clapped.
But at 5.00 pm the situation turned violent when a vehicle was torched in front of Paltan police station.
Police started firing tear shells and sound grenades, and the whole road from Nightingale intersection to Fakirerpool intersection became a battlefield. Chase and counter-chase continued until the filing of this report at 9.00 pm.
Agitated Hefazat men and BNP activists set fires in at least 50 places along the road to disrupt the police action.
Some police officers took shelter on the second floor of the BNP office to protect themselves from angry Hefazat men.
It was seen that senior BNP leaders were asking the activists to leave the office immediately.
