Just a day left to the start of Biswa Ijtema, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has called upon supporters to continue 20-party alliance sponsored countrywide nonstop blockade until further notice.
Khaleda, also head of the BNP-led alliance, accused the government of “trying to confuse the people” spreading a propaganda that the programme is going to be postponed.
“Khaleda Zia has urged the countrymen, the leaders and activists of BNP and the 20-party alliance to continue the blockade until further directive to put an end to the current misrule and restore obliterated democracy,” said a party statement sent to some media late last night.
The statement was signed by BNP Joint Secretary General Salauddin Ahmed.
Meanwhile, BNP Joint Secretary General Rizvi Ahmed at a press briefing today ruled out any possibility of withdrawing the ongoing blockade on the eve of Biswa Ijtema at Tongi, saying the programme will continue.
In presence of some selective TV journalists, Rizvi from an undisclosed residence in the city said the blockade will continue till the government accepts 20-party alliance’s demand for holding a fresh election under a non-party administration.  
At least seven people have been killed since Monday at different parts of the country during clashes between opposition activists and police and ruling party men.
In the statement, Khaleda prayed for salvation of the departed souls of those killed in the clashes and conveyed deep sympathy to those oppressed, injured and affected during the movement.
Meanwhile, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia remained confined to her Gulshan office for the 6th day on Thursday as huge law enforcers were seen deployed in front of the office main gate. Police however unlocked the main entrance of the office today.