DHAKA: Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Sramik League (BSPSL) on Thursday issued an ultimatum to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia to withdraw the nationwide blockade within January 24 otherwise its leaders and activists would go for staging hunger strike.

BSPSL general secretary Insur Ali came up with the ultimatum around 11:30am.

He also said, “If Khaleda Zia will not be held by January 24for instigating violence, they will go for staging hunger strike on January 25.”

The strike will be staged in front of National Press Club from 10:00am to 4:00pm on the day, he added.

On the other hand, Muktijodda Projonmo League (MPL) announced a weeklong protest program from January 25 demanding the arrest of Khaleda Zia.

MPL president Fatema Jalil Sathi made the announcement.

Earlier, several hundreds leaders and activists of BPSL and MPL, carrying banners and posters, marched towards Khaleda’s political office in the city’s Gulshan area in the morning.

Another group of anti-blockade people gathered in front of National Press Club as part of their pre-scheduled besiege of BNP chief’s office demanding withdrawal of the anti-government movements like hartal and blockade.

Road Transport Workers League held a rally near BNP chairperson’s office around 11:00am and later tried to besiege the BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s office, demanding withdrawal of the blockade.

Being obstructed by police, the protesters took position on the street and chanted slogans demanding bread and butter.

The nationwide blockade, called by BNP, is being marked Thursday for the 19th straight days.

** March to besiege Khaleda’s office

BDST: 1403 HRS, JAN 22, 2015