DHAKA: An alliance of the Islami political parties has called countrywide daylong hartal for Sunday (October 26) as Latif Siddique was not arrested within their given ultimatum.

Zafrullah Khan, secretary general of the alliance, made the hartal announcement at a briefing in city’s National Press Club on Wednesday noon.

Earlier in the beginning of this month, the alliance gave a 15-day ultimatum to government for arresting recently sacked Telecom Minister for his remark demeaning hajj and Tabligh Jamaat.

The members of the alliance include Khilafat Majlis, Khilaft-e-Islam, Islami Oikya Jote, Nejam-e-Islam, Muslim League and Hefajat-e Islam.

The then posts, telecommunications and information technology minister widespread flak both at home and abroad for his “derogatory” remarks in New York on September 28 over hajj, Tabligh Jamaat, prime minister’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and journalists.

He was ousted both from the cabinet and the party presidium membership following the issue.

Moreover, his party primary membership is also temporarily suspended and decision has already been taken to expel him permanently.

A show cause notice had been sent to him asking to explain why he should not be expelled for his remarks that hurt religious sentiment.

BDST: 1224 HRS, OCT 22, 2014