Dhaka, May 15 (UNB) – The BNP-led 18-party alliance will observe a seven-hour mass hunger strike on May 20, demanding the return of missing Ilias Ali alive. The hunger strike will be observed from 10 am to 5pm at divisional and district headquarters, including the capital.

BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office this (Tuesday) afternoon formally announced the progarmmes taken on Monday night at separate meetings of BNP ‘s standing committee and 18-party alliance with Khaleda Zia.

On May 23, the 18-party alliance will submit a memorandum to DCs (Deputy Commissioners) and UNOs in their offices across the country demanding fair prices for the produces of farmers and protesting the price hike of agri-inputs, including fertiliser, insecticides and diesel.

Besides, demonstrations will be held at district and divisional headquarters on May 27, protesting the government’s misrule, corruption and politicisation.

Earlier in the day, BNP and its front and associate organisations chalked out elaborate programmes from May 29 to June 5 to observe the 31st death anniversary of President Ziaur Rahman, the founder of BNP.

Fakhrul announced the programmes at the press conference.

The programmes included discussion at Engineers’ Institution at 3pm on May 29, hoisting of party and black flags atop the party office at 6am on May 30, placing wreaths by BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and party leaders, offering fateha at Zia’s mazar at 10 am and blood donation progarmme by DAB in front of the BNP central office in the afternoon.

The Dhaka city unit of BNP will organise doa mahfil and food distribution at all the thanas in the city on May 30-31. Khaleda Zia will distribute food among the destitute people at different spots.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal will organise a photo exhibition and children’s art competition on June 1. Sramik Dal, Jatiyatabadi Sramajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas),Jubo Dal, Tati Dal, Swechhasebak Dal, Olama Dal and Mohila Dal will organise discussions from June 2 to June 5.

The BNP acting secretary general also condemned the police attack on primary school teachers on their way to the Prime Minister to submit a memorandum. He asked the government to immediately fulfill the teachers’ just demands.