Jewellery stores nationwide to shut down indefinitely from Thursday

NN Online:

All jewellery shops across Bangladesh will remain closed indefinitely starting Thursday morning in protest against the arrest of Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) Vice-President Riponul Hasan, the association announced on Wednesday.

In a press release, BAJUS claimed that Riponul Hasan was detained by police in what it described as a “false and harassing” case, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.

“As part of our protest and to press home our demand, all jewellery establishments across the country — including those in Dhaka — will remain closed from Thursday until further notice,” the statement read.

The association’s Acting President Gulzar Ahmed and General Secretary Badal Chandra Roy, along with other senior leaders, condemned the arrest and expressed deep concern over the incident.

According to the statement, Riponul Hasan was taken into custody around 7:30pm on Wednesday from his business premises in Tantibazar, the capital’s central jewellery market.

BAJUS urged the authorities to immediately withdraw what it termed a “fabricated and harassing” case and ensure the prompt release of their leader.