The 48-hour hartal called by BNP and like-minded parties is being observed in Sylhet, with a couple of isolated incidents.
Chhatra Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal leaders and activists took out processions in support of the hartal at multiple points of the city, including the airport, Tuker Bazar, and Medical Road area, in the early hours of Sunday.
Meanwhile, the party’s leaders and activists put up a barricade on the airport road in the Khasdabir area of the city.
During the brief blockade this afternoon, they vandalised a truck.
BNP leaders and activists took out a procession in support of the hartal at the Shahi Eidgah area of the city around 1:30pm.
Witnesses said several crude bombs were exploded in the area.
Deputy Commissioner (North) of Sylhet Metropolitan Police Azbahar Ali Sheikh said law enforcement agencies are on the ground to protect the lives and property of people.
“Action will be taken against anyone who tries to commit any kind of sabotage," said DC Azbahar.
Meanwhile, CNG-run auto-rickshaws and rickshaws are seen plying at different points of the city since morning.
Although a small number of buses ply on the inter-upazila road, long-distance vehicles did not leave Sylhet Central Bus Terminal amid the 48-hour hartal called by BNP and like-minded opposition parties, causing inconvenience to the common people seeking to travel for emergencies.
Meanwhile, vehicles carrying goods were seen moving on the roads and highways as usual.
Due to the hartal, shopping malls across the city remain closed in fear of violence. Shops in the local markets have reopened as usual.
Meanwhile, Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) has announced a reward of Tk 20,000 for those who will help attest arsonists and miscreants in Sylhet city in the name of hartal and blockade.
The Sylhet Metropolitan Police has requested to immediately inform the SMP control room on 01320069998 or the officer-in-charge of concerned police stations if they see any kind of sabotage being committed.
