Bangladesh News

The caretaker government yesterday ordered army, BDR, Rab and police to show zero tolerance in dealing with a three-day blockade programme, according to a police source.

The Awami League-led grand alliance will enforce the blockade across the country for three days starting from today to press for a fresh election schedule after preparing a correct voter list and resignation of President Iajuddin Ahmed from the office of chief adviser.

The source told the news agency that the law enforcers, including army, would be posted at different strategic points in the capital to ensure smooth movement of traffic and peace and safety to public life.

He said some 10,000 to 12,000 police will be guarding the streets and important government installations in the capital.

The authorities also slapped an indefinite ban on staging rally, demonstration and procession with firearms, explosives, oars and any other harmful material in the capital from early hours today.

An announcement on the clampdown came from Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) a day before a planned countrywide siege programme of the Awami League-led grand alliance over electoral issues.

The alliance has withdrawn from the poll process and launched a fresh agitation aimed at resisting the January 22 general election and realising its demands for fair voting.