Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan yesterday said utility services at BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s office would be suspended if the ongoing blockade was not lifted.
He also said the supply of food to Khaleda’s office would be stopped, but mentioned no specific date when the harsh measures would be carried out.
Addressing a rally organised by Sramik-Karmachari-Peshajibi-Muktijoddha-Shamannay Parishad at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital, the minister announced a four-day programme protesting the nationwide non-stop blockade, frequent general strikes and the killing of people in petrol bomb attacks.
“Fifteen innocent workers died as a result of burn injuries they had sustained in petrol bomb attacks. What were their faults? If you [Khaleda] do not stop burning people, a time will come when you yourself will be burnt in fire,” Shajahan said.
He urged the BNP chief to lift the blockade considering the troubles the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinees would face.
“If Khaleda does not withdraw the blockade, the people will confine her to her office again,” warned Shajahan.
The four-day programme announced by the minister includes a demonstration of Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Malik Sramik Oikya Parishad which will be held in front of National Press Club today.
On February 3, professionals working in different fields will hold a rally at Shaheed Minar while transport workers will also demonstrate at bus and truck terminals in every district.
On February 5, people of different professions will gather on roads in front of their respective offices across the country at 12:45pm and stay for 15 minutes while drivers will continuously honk for two minutes at the time.
On February 7, a convention of freedom fighters, workers, students and others will be held at 10am in the capital for announcing the next programme if the blockade is not withdrawn by then.
Shajahan also presented a 10-point suggestion, urging people to ignore the 20-party’s agitation and resisting it from February 2, the day the SSC tests are scheduled to begin.
Speaking at the rally, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal lawmaker Shirin Akhter said workers and freedom fighters would resist subversive acts till Khaleda withdrew the blockade.
Describing agitations of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami as terror acts, she said there would be no compromise with the terrorist organisations.
On January 22, an association of workers tried to lay siege to Khaleda’s office but police foiled the attempt. They later staged a sit-in at Gulshan 2 intersection and threatened to go on a hunger strike if the blockade was not lifted.
The blockade has been in force since January 6, and has been marked by violence, mostly arson attacks, in different parts of the country.
