BNP rallies on first day of third blockade

The BNP and its allies held rallies across the capital on Wednesday, the first day of the third-phase nationwide blockade, to press home their demand for the government's resignation.
The number of public vehicles increased on streets on the day compared to previous blockades that occurred between October 31 and November 06 in two phases.
However, according to sources, very few long-haul buses left Dhaka city from different terminals owing to an unsustainable passenger turnout.
The FE visited Farmgate, Karwanbazar, Shahbagh, Dilkusha, Paltan and Sayedabad areas only to find a limited number of private vehicles on streets in fear of getting vandalised by picketers.
Other modes of transport like bus, rickshaw and CNG-run three-wheeler were noticeable as their number grew much higher than the previous days of such political steps.
But they were seen struggling to get passengers, particularly during off-peak hours, as city-dwellers avoided their usual commute to and from different destinations.
A rickshaw-puller, Sekandar Mia, was seen waiting for passengers in Karwanbazar area.
"I cannot help coming out whatever the situation outside as I live from hand to mouth. I am not a beneficiary of politics by any means," he said. During Covid-19 restrictions, there was some social protection for the poor, Mr Sekandar said, adding that this time there was no scope to stay away from living.
Leaders and activists of the BNP and other political parties brought out processions in areas, including Purana Paltan, Press Club, Rampura and Agargaon.
The BNP central office in Nayapaltan still remained padlocked on Wednesday and it was cordoned off by a good number of police forces.
No activity of the party's leaders and activists was seen there.
On the other hand, the ruling Awami League also took out processions in different parts of the city in protest against the ongoing blockade.
Meanwhile, visiting Sayedabad, Mohakhali and Gabtoli inter-district bus terminals, the FE found that most of the operators of different routes suspended their services.
Mahbub Ali, a driver of a bus running from Sayedabad area, said he was looking to operate a trip to Chandpur to earn a living for his five-member family.
"Any deadlock situation in economy seriously affects people with minimum earnings, who are already battered by higher inflation," he added.
Mr Ali said most of the bus owners adopted a cautionary policy to avoid any mishap like arson on any highway could jeopardise lives and assets.
In addition, the operation of a bus service with poor number of passenger than the capacity is not profitable either, he added.
On Monday, the BNP and the Liberal Democratic Party separately announced a two-day nationwide blockade, urging other like-minded parties, platforms and people to play their part in ousting the government.
The 48-hour blockade is scheduled to end on Friday morning.
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