Brief relief from hartal

The countrymen will get a relief from hartal on a working day tomorrow for the second time since February 1, thanks to the BNP-led 20-party alliance for not extending the shutdown.

The alliance has not extended the hartal, which will end at 6:00am tomorrow, apparently to facilitate the observance of the March 26, the Independence Day.

In a press statement issued this evening, the alliance said alongside the nonstop blockade it will stage demonstrations across the country on Wednesday protesting government's repression on its leaders and activists.

The BNP-led alliance called upon its partners to observe the Independence Day on Thursday with due respect.

Earlier on March 9, the alliance relaxed its hartal for 12 hours to celebrate Bangladesh Cricket Team's victory over England.