Islamic parties\\\' hartal ends

The daylong nationwide hartal, enforced by Sammilito Islami Dal Samuho, a coalition of Islamic parties, demanding the trial of sacked minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui for his rant on Holy Hajj, passed off in a slack manner on Sunday. There was a no report of major untoward incidents during the dawn-to-dusk shutdown. Hartal supporters were seen picketing in different parts of the country in the morning. However, no picketing was seen afterwards anywhere across the country. Most business establishments kept their shutters on across the country, including the capital, while vehicular movement was almost normal. However, some educational institutions remained closed. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel remained deployed in the capital during the 6am to 6pm hartal to maintain the law and order. Maulana Zafrullah Khan, secretary general of the Islamic combine, announced the shutdown programme at a press conference at National Press Club on Wednesday, as the government has ‘failed’ to arrest Siddiqui within their given deadline for his disparaging remarks about Holy Hajj, according to a news agency.