Half-day hartal, announced by Left Democratic Alliance (LDA) in protest of the price hike of daily essentials, has begun across the country.
The LDA, a coalition of eight left-leaning political parties, will observe the strike, that began from 6:00am, till 12:00 noon.
Their demands include breaking the "business syndicate" that manipulates the market of essential commodities and issuing ration cards for those in need.
Police have arrested nine people from Dhaka's Mirpur area since morning as Left Alliance leaders and activists marched in support of the strike, claimed Junaid Saki, chief coordinator of Ganasonghoti Andolon, while talking.
"Besides, we are getting news of obstructions and attacks on processions all over the country," he added.
The leaders and activists of Communist Party of Bangladesh, Ganasonghoti Andolon and other parties brought out a procession in support of the strike this morning, reports our staff correspondent from the spot. The procession went from Motijheel to Gulistan, Bijayanagar and ended in Paltan.
Meanwhile, members of law enforcement, including police, were seen in position in Paltan area.
"We are observing the strike peacefully," said one of the leaders of LDA and Communist Party of Bangladesh General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince.
