Different professional bodies and social organisations yesterday urged the BNP-led 20-party alliance to refrain from enforcing hartal and withdraw the ongoing blockade during SSC examinations.

"Khaleda Zia has called hartal during SSC exam on purpose. She does not want students to participate in the important public exams," said Hasan Mahmud, Awami League's publicity and publication secretary, at a human chain formed by Bangladesh Swadhinata Parishad before Jatiya Press Club.

Meanwhile, demanding an end to violence and a "qualitative change in politics", a platform of citizens under the banner "Paribartan Chai" concluded a 24-hour hunger strike in the afternoon at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka.

Fida Huq, chairman of the organisation, demanded compensation for the people who lost their loved ones in violence during the blockade.

Leaders of Sammilita Samajik Andolon, another citizens' body, at a human chain before Jatiya Press Club, said a vested quarter was trying to destabilise the country.

If such anarchic situation continues, militant groups and Jamaat-Shibir will be beneficiary of it, they said.

Violence is a part of long-term conspiracy for destroying the country's democracy and independence, said left politician Pankaj Bhattacharya.

"The ongoing crisis is political. So, the crisis must be resolved politically, not in administrative way," he said.

Noor Mohammad Talukder, presidium member of Sammilito Samajik Andolon, demanded a ban on politics of Jamaat saying it was a "criminal" organisation.

At another human chain, formed by Muktijoddha Prajanma League, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya said dialogue between pro- and anti-liberation forces could not be held. Those who suggest it are against the country's interests, he added.

Bangladesh Hawkers' Union, Amar Odhikar Foundation, Bangladesh Muktijoddha Chikitshak Parishad and Bangladesh Ganashilpi Shangstha and several other organisations formed human chains at the same venue.