Sporadic violence, lower traffic mark first day of BNP blockade

Sporadic violence erupted and traffic thinned as BNP and its allies observed the first day of their fourth round two-day nationwide blockade on Sunday.
The streets of Dhaka were relatively deserted compared to usual working days. Long-haul buses were largely sitting idle at different terminals in the capital.
The BNP, along with its 12-party alliance partners, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and other like-minded political camps, have been observing the blockade on roads, rails and waterways since early November.
Ahead of the latest blockade, picketers set seven vehicles ablaze between 8:00 pm on Saturday and 6:00 am on Sunday, according to a media brief note issued by the Fire Service and Civil Defence.
Of the arsons, a 'Malancha Paribahan' bus was set on fire in Dhaka's Sutrapur area on Sunday morning. Two fire units were dispatched to the scene and extinguished the flames by 6:15 am.
Another public bus, operated by 'Projapati Paribahan,' was set on fire in Mirpur in broad daylight on Sunday. Two units from the Mirpur fire station responded to the incident and doused the blaze.
BNP, along with their affiliate platforms and other opposition parties, brought out processions on Sunday morning in various parts of the city in support of the blockade.
One such procession and a brief rally were held near Motijheel Ideal School, led by BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Addressing the gathering, Mr Rizvi said that people from all walks of life have supported the blockade as part of the movement to restore democracy and establish human rights.
"Using force, arresting people and committing atrocities against them will not help the government repress the people," he added.
BNP's student wing Chaatradal also held rallies in Tejgaon and Sadarghat.
Meanwhile, the ruling Awami League (AL) also mobilised its supporters to counter the picketers. AL members held peace rallies at key points of the capital, including the party's headquarters in Gulistan.
Visiting different city spots on Sunday, it was found that the roads were not as congested with vehicles and buses as on typical working days.
However, the number of vehicles on Sunday was a bit higher compared to the previous phases of the blockades that were observed earlier this month.
Unlike previous blockades, many small traders and vendors were seen conducting business too. "We have to work for our livelihoods even in fear of sudden unrest on the streets," said a vendor.
On Sunday, law enforcers maintained a vigilant presence at key points throughout the city, including Jatrabari, Sanirakhara Purana Paltan, Gulistan, Mirpur-10, Kazipara, Shewrapara, Bijoy Sarani and Farmgate areas.
Additional Police Commissioner (crimes and operations) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Kha Mohid Uddin said police would take the highest level of lawful measures against arsonists.
While addressing the media at his office, he said the DMP is employing all available security measures to ensure the safety of city dwellers. However, he acknowledged that apprehending those involved in carrying out clandestine attacks on buses poses a considerable challenge.
Mr Uddin said they have no directive to shoot arsonists on sight. Police would take action against them within the framework of the law.

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