Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – Small traders suffered much due to the general strike observed all over the country on Sunday to protest against an anti-Islamic film that sparked violent protest in the Muslim world.
Twelve like-minded Islamist parties called the day-long shutdown protesting police obstruction during their Saturday’s program at the National Press Club in Dhaka where dozens were injured.
The strike was passed almost peacefully, barring some stray incidents.
Some 10,000 law enforcers, including members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), were deployed in the capital, including the diplomatic area, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) sources said.
They also said around 50 people have been detained during the strike hours on suspicion of carrying out destructive activities in the name of the shutdown.
The shutdown came as a big blow to the communities who trade fruits, vegetables and fishes as transportations of the high demand items remained stranded at various parts of the country because of the strike.
No procession was allowed and headquarters of the Islamic parties were cordoned off by the law enforcers since the early hours to maintain smooth law and order in the city.
Police detained 38 activists of the Islamist parties while they were picketing on Dhaka-Chittagong highway at Jatrabari Sunday morning.
The traffic movements on the city streets remained thin with most private vehicles indoors. Almost all the shopping malls and roadside shops remained closed.
The educational institutions also remained closed for the day. Banks opened their doors but received less number of clients.
Some long route passenger buses were seen plying on the highway in transporting small number of passengers.
Activities at Kamalapur Railway Station and Sadarghat Launch Terminal were normal as all modes of transports departed Dhaka as per schedule.
Normal trading activities were also recorded at the country’s two bourses — Dhaka Stock Exchange and Chittagong Stock Exchange.
BBN/SI/AD-24Sept12-10:55 am (BST)
