Gas price hike: Leftist parties observe half-day hartal

Left-leaning parties on Sunday observed a half-day strike protesting against the hike in gas prices, reports UNB. 

Supporters of the Left Democratic Alliance (LDA) took position at key points of the capital in the morning. Some of them were seen obstructing motorcyclists. But there was no report of untoward incident.

Shutdown supporters also brought out processions in the city’s Paltan and Mirpur areas and held rallies. 

The LDA announced the shutdown programme on July 1, a day after gas prices were raised. 

Its protest programme was endorsed by political parties such as the BNP, Dr Kamal Hossain-led Gonoform and ASM Abdur Rab-led Jatiya Samjtantrik Dal.

The National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports also expressed solidarity with the shutdown.

On June 30, the government raised gas prices by 32.8 percent on average for the retail consumers in the country with effect from July 1.