RANGPUR: Half-day hartal, called by BNP and its front organizations, was observed in the district peacefully on Wednesday demanding immediate release of central committee president of Swechhasebak Dal Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel.

The hartal began at 6:00am and continued till 2:00pm.                              

Banglanews correspondent reports that no pickets were seen in the district and shops remained open.
 
Classes and examinations in schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions were held in time.

Only inter-district buses did not leave the town though train movement was normal during the hartal hours.

BNP leaders and activists held a roadside rally after a protest procession brought out from the party office of Grand Hotel intersection at 12:00 noon.

Speakers, at the rally, threatened of waging stern movements if Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel is not released.

Officer-in-Charge of Kotawali Thana Abdul Quader Zilani told banglanews that the additional law enforcers were deployed in the district and situation was normal during the hartal hours.

BDST: 1610 HRS, APR 16, 2014