Bangladesh opposition rally cripples capital

A RALLY by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) yesterday has locked down the capital, with city transportation limited or shut down and security forces out in force.

Habibur Biswas, an office worker, said the disruption of transportation services had created difficulties for workers and students but stressed that political parties should reach a peaceful resolution to their disputes.

“If the political parties are tolerant and patient, the people won’t need to suffer and [will] live in peace,” he said.

Fear of violence has left most businesses and public transportation shut.

Holy Cross Sister Shikha Gomes, principal of the Holy Cross College for Girls, said the rally had kept many students at home.

The Dhaka Cholo, or March to Dhaka, was announced late last year by BNP chairman Khaleda Zia, in an effort to galvanize opposition forces throughout Dhaka to oppose the policies of the ruling Awami League and call for a non-party caretaker government ahead of national polls in 2014.

Opposition leaders have said that the rally, to be conducted at locations throughout the city, would be the largest in the country’s history.

Report from ucanews.com