Hartal observed in Bandarban

All Party Students' Union (APSU) in Bandarban enforced a half-day hartal in the hilly district town yesterday, halting normal activities there.

The APSU called the hartal protesting a National University (NU) decision on cancellation of Honours courses in three subjects at Bandarban Government College.

All modes of transport stayed off the major thoroughfares of the town and shop owners kept their shutters down.

However, some private banks operated partially while many schools held their final examinations seeking police protection.

Hartal supporters picketed and burned tyres in town since early morning. However, except some stray incidents, no incidence of violence was reported.

On December 10, police clubbed students demonstrating against the NU move. The APSU announced the hartal programme at district press club.