Hartal underway amid arson attacks

The nationwide hartal enforced by BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami is underway today amid reports of arson attacks in Dhaka.

At least three buses were torched at Baitul Mukarram south gate, Mohammadpur and Tantibazar since the hartal began at 6:00am.

Commuters have been suffering due to the thin presence of buses in Jatrabari, Paltan, Saatrasta, Shahbagh and Farmgate area of the capital.

Rickshaws and CNG-run auto-rickshaws seem to be the only means of transportation. Private car movement in the capital is also thin today.

No long-distant buses left or entered Dhaka since morning.

As of 11:30pm, BNP has not brought out any processions in support of the hartal anywhere in Dhaka while Jamaat brought out processions in different areas including Sabujbagh, Shyampur, Bhatara, Gulshan and Uttara.

While visiting Jatrabari, our reporters found members of the law enforcement agencies on high alert. Water cannons were also seen in the area.

Police present there warned that if anyone attempts violence, legal measures will be taken.

Mamun Matubbar, a sub-inspector of the local police station, said, "We have deployed 40 police personnel at Jatrabari intersection alone. We are ready to tackle any destructive activities. So far [till 10:00am], we haven't seen any procession or picketing in this area."

Local Awami League supporters, carrying sticks, took position at Jatrabari intersection against the BNP's hartal. They were chanting various slogans against BNP and the hartal.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed to maintain law and order in Dhaka. They have been patrolling different areas of the capital, including Kakrail, Paltan and Motijheel areas.