70th day of \\\'blockade\\\' passes

Seventieth day of the ongoing non-stop blockade coupled with hartal, enforced by the BNP-led 20-party alliance, passed off almost peacefully on Monday.
No major incident of violence was reported in the capital or elsewhere in the country.
Incidents like arson attacks and blasts in Magura and Rajshahi were the main incidents of violence on the day. Law-enforcers' 'crackdowns' against troublemakers and their instructors also continued at various parts of the country.
In Magura, unknown miscreants set off several crude bombs at the district office of Department of Fisheries (DoF) in the morning, and torched a jeep, parked at its garage.
On information, firefighters rushed to the spot and doused the flame after frantic efforts. However, none was hurt in and arrested in connection with the incidents.
In Rajshahi, pro-blockade activists exploded a hand-bomb inside Rajshahi Education Board at about 10:00 am, leaving no people injured.
When contacted, officer-in-charge of Rajpara Police Station of the metropolis Mehedi Hasan said the pickets exploded the bomb to create panic among the staff and people, passing through the area.
"Security at other public offices in the area has been stepped up following the blast, and we're working to hunt down the culprits," he added.
In another incident, Al Amin (25), an alleged leader of Islamic Chhatra Shibir, was caught red handed while he was trying to torch a vehicle at Kapasia area of the city in the early hours.
Being thrashed he was handed over to Motihar Police Station later. Police rushed him to Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital for treatment under their custody.
DMP Deputy Commissioner (DB-PR) Masudur Rahman said the blockade-shutdown was almost peaceful in the capital, as no incident of violence was reported.
"Law-enforcers remained alert round the clock across the city to protect the citizens," he added.
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