AL leader murder: 48-hour strike underway in Rangamati

A 48-hour-long hartal, or strike, in protest of the murder of Rangamati's Belaichari upazila Awami League President Suresh Kanti Tongchanga, has begun. 

The hartal started on Wednesday morning, with protesters demanding the immediate arrest of those behind Suresh's murder, Belaichari Chhatra League President Rubel Das said.

According to local sources, shops have been closed and vehicular movement has been restricted due to the strike. A tense atmosphere prevails in the upazila. 

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Belaichari Officer-in-Charge (OC) Parvez Ali said: "Belaichari is observing a peaceful blockade. We have enhanced security to avoid unwanted situations."

Suresh's funeral will be held on Wednesday afternoon, the OC said.  "No case has been lodged in connection with the incident yet."

A human chain will be organized in the upazila as well, locals said. 

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Unidentified assailants attacked upazila Awami League President Suresh Kanti Tongchanga—and his family's boat in Alikhong area in Belaichari upazila—kidnapped Suresh's son, and later shot Suresh dead, on Tuesday.

Previously, on Monday, seven people—including two election officials and four Ansar and VDP members—were shot dead and at least 26 others were injured in a gunfight in Rangamati.