First day of fifth round of BNP blockade passes off peacefully

The first day (Wednesday) of the fifth round of blockade called by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) passed off peacefully except for a number of arrests in the capital.
Public transports including buses ran without facing any obstacle from the opposition activists.
However, the inter-district bus services from Mohakhali, Sayedabad and Gabtoli were kept stopped in fear of arson attacks.
Members of the law enforcing agencies including police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) were deployed at different key points in the capital to avert any untoward situation including arson attacks and violence.
Ruling party leaders and activists were also on guard at different roundabouts and other places to thwart any possible attempt of violence by the blockaders.
Police picked up five persons from in front of the BNP's central office in the capital's Naya Paltan.
They were trying to bring out a procession at around 11:00 am under the banner of Bangladesh Janata Party.
Among the arrestees was the party's president Raihan Islam.
Besides, BNP and its associate bodies brought out processions at different places in support of the blockade.
Senior Joint Secretary General of BNP Ruhul Kabir Rizvi led a procession at around 6:00 am near National Press Club that ended at Shahbagh in the city.
Health affairs secretary of BNP Dr Rafiqul Islam, former councilor Nilufar Yasmin and leaders of Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal took part in the procession.
In another development, Chhatra Dal activists of Tejgaon College unit also brought out a procession and picketed at Farmate in support of the blockade.
Meanwhile, police obstructed the procession brought out by the Islami Andolon (Islami Movement)Bangladesh towards the Election Commission (EC) in the afternoon in protest against the EC's plan to announce the schedule of the 12th parliament elections.
Senior presidium member of Islami Andolon Bangladesh Principal Syed Muhammad Mosaddeq Billah led the procession.
The procession started at around 3:00 am from Baitul Mukarram National Mosque north gate. Police dispersed the projectionists near Shantinagar area.
Islami Andolon Bangladesh leaders said free and fair elections will be not be possible under the present Election Commission (EC).
They observed that the by-elections in Laximpur and Brahmanbaria recently have proved that free and fair elections will not be possible under the present EC.
They further said they want free, fair and participatory parliamentary elections where all parties could participate.
They said the EC was trying to announce national election's schedule as per the desire of the government, which they will not allow to happen.
The BNP office at Naya Paltan was still under lock and key.
However, despite withdrawal of police from near the party office, leaders did not visit the office.
Meanwhile, the Chief Election Commissioner in his address to the nation at 7:00 am on Wednesday announced that the upcoming 12th parliament elections will be held on January 7, 2023.
In another development, at least 60 patrol teams of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) were deployed in different areas of the capital to ensure safety and security centering the election schedule declared by the CEC.
Director (media and legal wing) of RAB commander Khandakar Al Moin disclosed it to the media at its Karwan Bazar office in the afternoon.

[email protected]