Dhaka: Police arrested seven leaders and activists of Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Ansarullah Bangla Team for ‘sabotage plan’ from different places of Dhaka during a drive continuing for 24 hours till Tuesday morning.

DMP deputy commissioner Masudur Rahman said six leaders and activists of BNP and one member of Ansarullah Bangla Team were arrested for planning subversive activities on the third day of the fresh 72-hour nationwide hartal, enforced by the BNP-led 20-party alliance, alongside its ongoing countrywide indefinite transport blockade.

In a statement, BNP joint secretary general Salahuddin Ahmed, on behalf of the alliance, announced the shutdown on Friday to push for its various demands, including a fresh national election under a non-party administration.

BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia called the indefinite blockade from January 6 as the government did not allow her party and its allies to hold protest rallies in the capital on January 5.