A half-day strike is being observed in Baruipara Union of Bagerhat Sadar upazila on Thursday from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., demanding the arrest of those involved in the brutal killing of Badol Morol, president of the local Krishak Dal. The strike, organized by the union BNP and its affiliated bodies, has shut down shops and halted transport on internal routes, causing hardship for daily wage earners and commuters.

All forms of local transport, including CNG-run autorickshaws, battery-powered easy bikes, engine vans, motorcycles, and even bicycles, have stopped operating. Protesters have staged demonstrations at various points, burning tires and blocking roads with bamboo and chairs. The strike follows the June 9 attack that killed Badol Morol and injured Abdullah Morol, a local BNP leader. A murder case was filed on June 11 naming 12 people, but most suspects remain at large.

Police said two suspects have been arrested and efforts are underway to detain others. Local BNP leaders warned of tougher programs if arrests are not made, while a Jamaat-e-Islami leader alleged that BNP-Jamaat is being unfairly blamed and urged a fair investigation.