Hartal in Satkhira protesting Bhomra port closure move
A half-day hartal was observed here yesterday to protest against the government decision to close down the Bhomra land port from June 6.
Satkhira unit of Greater Khulna Development Action Co-ordination Committee that called the hartal threatened a tougher movement unless the cancellation order issued by the National Revenue Board on May 7 is withdrawn forthwith.
All shops, educational institutions, banks and offices remained closed and vehicles on all routes of the district were off the road during the 6am-12pm hartal as people from all walks of life responded spontaneously to the strike call.
Business organisations and political parties including BNP brought out separate pro-hartal processions in town demanding re-opening of Bhomra land port. A rally was also held at Satkhira Collectorate premises at 12 noon where speakers set a May 31 deadline for the government to resume port activities.
Earlier on Tuesday, barricades were put up on all roads of Satkhira for two hours at the call of Satkhira Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Export-import activities through Bhomra land port has been suspended after BDR at Bakal in Sadar upazila on May 5 seized eight Indian trucks loaded with 130 metric tons of Indian jute and vegetable seeds imported allegedly with false declaration.
Five customs officials including the customs superintendent who were escorting the trucks were also arrested by the BDR. The NBR letter issuing the ban on port activities followed two days later.
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