GAIBANDHA: BNP-led 20-party on Saturday called a half-day hartal in the district town for Sunday protesting the baton charge by police in a procession by district unit of 20-party alliance.

Witnesses said district 20-party leaders and activists staged a demonstration as part of central decision of arranging procession as Khaleda Zia was denied holding rally in Gazipur.

Police charged baton when the procession reached at Circular Road, leaving district BNP president Anisuzzaman Khan Babu, office secretary Abdul Kafi Mandal and other leaders injured, they added.

Later, convener of district 20-party alliance Anisuzzaman Khan Babu announced the shutdown from a rally.

BDST: 1842 HRS, DEC 27, 2014