The BNP-led 20-party alliance on Tuesday extended its ongoing 72-hour nationwide hartal by 36 hours till 6pm Thursday.

A statement, signed by BNP joint secretary general Salahuddin Ahmed, on behalf of 20-party alliance made the announcement of extension on Tuesday.

Apart from non-stop blockade since January 6, the 72-hour countrywide hartal began at 6am on Sunday and was to end at 6pm Wednesday.

The statement said : "The ongoing shutdown has been extended till 6pm Thursday protesting continuous killings by the government backed joint forces, and killings, abduction and arrest of, and cases against alliance leaders and activists."

The statement also protested the government move to control media, interference on judiciary and filing of false cases against BNP chief Khaleda Zia, party senior leaders and noted personalities.

LY