The BNP-led 20-party alliance has called a fresh spell of 48-hour nationwide general strike from 6am Wednesday, demanding the safe return of BNP Joint Secretary General Salahuddin Ahmed.
Barkat Ullah Bulu, joint secretary general of the BNP, made the hartal announcement through a press release on Tuesday afternoon.
The opposition combine had called a 72-hour hartal that ended at 6am on Wednesday beginning from Sunday alongside the ongoing nationwide transport blockade.
The alliance will also stage protest rallies and bring out processions across the country on Thursday, protesting the disappearance of the BNP leader.
In the press statement, the alliance also urged the countrymen to participate in a special prayer, seeking Salahuddin's safe return, in all mosques and religious institutions across the country on Friday afternoon.
Expressing grave concern over the disappearance of the BNP leader, the statement stated: “We have requested the authorities concerned to produce Salahuddin Ahmed before the court and try him if there is any specific allegation against him.”
“But, even though seven days have passed since he has been picked up by the law enforcers, he is yet to be produced before any trial court. Rather, the top leaders of the ruling party are making controversial comments over his detention, putting his family members in deep trouble.”
The BNP-led alliance has been observing the nationwide general strikes on all weekdays since February 1.
The shutdown has been enforcing, protesting what the party members call killings, mass arrests and torture of party activists, and “restoration of democracy.”
