Bangladesh president decries BNP blockade

Bangladesh President Md. Abdul Hamid Thursday called on law enforcers to take stern action against troublemakers during the BNP-sponsored countrywide blockade.

The president labelled the pro-blockade elements as "enemies of democracy", bdnews24.com reported.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wednesday ordered the police to stop violence "at any cost" and "without hesitation".

Speaking at the Bangabhaban, where the president's office located, the president in an event Thursday marking Police Week, said: "I am deeply hurt by the recent killings of innocent people by petrol bombs and arson."

"Those involved in such anarchy are enemies of democracy, humanity and civilisation. I call upon the country's law enforcing agencies to take stern measures against them."

At least 36 people have died, mostly in cases of arson, since Jan 5, when the Bangladesh Nationalist Party called for an indefinite blockade of roads, rail and waterways across the country.

Over 200 persons have been injured in attacks and bombing in the last 24 days of the ongoing blockade.

BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, who has been named in two recent cases of violence as the instigator, has decided to go on with the blockade.

The party, however, claims that the violent activities were sponsored by the government.