Bangladesh nationwide blockade withdrawn

Dhaka, Nov 24: The nationwide blockade in Bangladesh led by Sheikh Hasina scheduled to start from today has been postponed in view of Chief Election Commissioner Justice Aziz's decision to go on a long leave.

''It's the victory of the people as Mr Aziz was forced to go on leave in the face of mass democratic movement,'' Sheikh Hasina told a press conference at her party's Dhanmondi office this afternoon.

The 14-party alliance enforced the non-stop transport blockade since November 20 to press for resignation of CEC Aziz for being loyal to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's 4-party alliance.

However, Mr Aziz agreed to go on a 90-day leave following negotiation with the caretaker government of President and Chief Advisor Iajuddin Ahmed.

She, however announced a sit-in in front of the President House on November 27 and outside the Election Commission office on November 28 as part of her movement to reconstitute the election commission and depoliticized the civil and police administration to ensure free and fair parliamentary polls in January.

With the withdrawal of the blockade life in the capital started returning to normal with automobiles slowly coming out on streets and opening of shops and business centres.

UNI

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