Opposition BNP calls for 48-hour general strike in Bangladesh demanding resignation of government
The Hindu
BNP calls for 48-hour nationwide strike to demand resignation of "illegal government" & protest Jan 7 election boycott.
Bangladesh's main opposition party BNP on Thursday called for a 48-hour nationwide general strike starting Saturday to demand the resignation of the "illegal government" of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and to protest against the January 7 general election, which it is boycotting.
Led by former prime minister Khalida Zia, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is boycotting the general election on Sunday. It is demanding an interim non-party neutral government to hold the election. The demand was rejected by the government headed by Prime Minister Hasina, who is heading the ruling Awami League.
BNP Joint Senior Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the general strike at a press conference on Thursday.
"The 48-hour hartal will be observed from 6 am on January 6, to 6 am on January 8,” Rizvi said in a virtual press conference as last-minute preparations were underway for the 12th general elections.
The strike calls for the “resignation of the illegal government, establishment of a non-party neutral government and release of all party leaders and activists from prison,” he said.
The BNP aims to garner support for its non-cooperation movement against the Awami Party-led dispensation through the strike. It has urged people not to pay taxes and utility bills to press its demand for a non-party interim government for election oversight by amending the country’s Constitution.
Through the strike, the opposition party is also demanding the release of its leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, who were arrested over charges of violence.
Canada challenges U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports through WTO dispute consultations, seeking resolution.
Jaffar Express driver recounts BLA hijacking as military rescues passengers, killing all terrorists in dramatic 30-hour siege.
UN Secretary-General assesses Rohingya refugee situation in Bangladesh amid fears of aid cuts, welcomed by Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs adviser.
US and Israel consider Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland as potential destinations for resettling Palestinians from Gaza.
Millions face displacement as aid cuts worsen global refugee crisis, leaving vulnerable populations without essential support.
American Airlines plane catches fire at Denver airport, passengers evacuated safely, minor injuries reported, FAA to investigate.
Meta Platforms Inc. says it will launch its crowd-sourced fact-checking program, called Community Notes, on March 18.
Judge blocks mass firings of federal probationary workers, orders reinstatement, sparking legal battle over Trump administration's downsizing efforts.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok urges respect for Constitutional Court ruling on impeachment, warns against challenging public authority.
Trump reiterates desire to annex Greenland for international security, highlighting Chinese and Russian interest in Arctic region.
Trump administration seeks Supreme Court approval for birthright citizenship restrictions amid legal battles, facing nationwide block and constitutional challenges.
Interim government of Ethiopia's Tigray region appeals for federal intervention as TPLF faction seizes control, raising civil war fears.
Possible link between Starlink internet and cyber fraud in Myanmar-Thailand border, as Indian citizens repatriated from scam call centres.