Khaleda's office to be dismantled brick by brick

Transport workers will dismantle Khaleda Zia's office brick by brick if she does not withdraw the blockade and hartal immediately, Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan said yesterday.

"Khaleda has confined herself by installing barbwire at her office. We, the workers of Bangladesh, will remove the barbwire and every brick the office has," he said.

"...we will launch such a movement that you will not able to maintain your existence and your politics will meet death."

The minister was addressing a rally of Sarak Paribahan Malik Sramik Oikya Parishad at the capital's Phulbaria bus terminal, protesting killings and anarchy in the name of the hartal and blockade.

The executive president of Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Sramik Federation said their movement was not to favour the government but rather to protect transport owners and workers. If the government wants to make a law going against this sector, he will protest it, Shajahan said.

The minister will lead a march towards Khaleda's Gulshan office on February 16. Besides, a rally will be held at Shahbagh today, and a candlelight vigil in front of the Jatiya Press Club tomorrow.

Sarak Paribahan Malik Sramik Samity President Moshiur Rahman Ranga, also state minister for LGRD, and its Secretary General Khandaker Enyetullah also spoke.

According to their estimates, 61 transport workers have been killed in the ongoing violence.

They said the Samity had submitted a list of 674 vehicles, which were burnt and vandalised, to the prime minister demanding compensation. In addition, Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Sramik Federation is preparing a list of the workers, killed or injured in the violence, to realise compensation for the victims, they added.