In the first six hours of Jamaat called countrywide hartal, no picketing was seen at Malibagh, Shantinagar, Kakrail, Bijoynagar, Paltan, Fakirapol, Shahjahanpur, Arambagh, Motijheel, Gopibagh, Shamibagh, Jatrabari, Jurain, Shyamnagar, Mir Hazaribagh, Narinda, Wari, Gulistan and Paltan intersection area in the capital on Thursday.

The vehicular movement seemed to be increased in the areas from 9:00am and traffic congestion was also visualized at different important places like other days.

Heavy traffic was noticed at Paltan intersection at 12:00noon and traffic police had to face difficulties to manage the situation.

Meanwhile, Awami League and its front organizations brought out processions and held meetings against hartal at Gulistan, Moulana Bhasani Stadium and Bangabandhu Avenue at about 11:00am.

Earlier on Wednesday,  Jamaat called a 48-hour countrywide hartal  in two phases for Thursday and Sunday demanding the government  release its leader Sayedee, jailed by the Supreme Court unto death  for his crimes against humanity during the Liberation War in 1971.

NS