Left leaning parties observe half day hartal

Leaders and activists of nine left-leaning parties under the Left Democratic Alliance have observed a half-day hartal across the country, protesting increase in prices of fuel, urea fertilizer and essential commodities.

The nice parties under the alliance are-- Bangladesher Samyabadi Andolan, Jatiya Mukta Council, Naya Ganatantrik Ganamorcha, Jatiya Gano Front, Ganomukti Union, BSD (Mahbub), Jatiya Ganatantrik Ganamancha., Socialist Party of Bangladesh, and Communist Union.

In Dhaka, protesters took to the streets at different intersections of Paltan area since 6am as part of their demonstration.

They held a protest rally in the Shahbagh area at around 8.00am Thursday. A procession under the banner of Bangladesh Student Union started from Kataban and ended in the Matsya Bhaban area via Shahbagh.

The alliance members were seen carrying placards and shouting slogans. Some of them were singing and writing slogans on the road. The protest caused traffic congestion in the area. However, shops and markets were seen opened in the area. 

Additional police forces were seen patrolling the area during this time.