All jewellery shops across Bangladesh will remain closed for an indefinite period 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 stated that Riponul Hasan was arrested by police in a "false and harassing" case.
The organisation has demanded his unconditional release and strongly condemned the arrest.
"As a protest and to press for his immediate and unconditional release, all jewellery establishments across the country, including in Dhaka, will remain closed indefinitely," the statement said.
Association's Acting President Gulzar Ahmed and General Secretary Badal Chandra Roy, along with other central leaders, expressed grave concern over the incident and issued a strong condemnation.
Riponul Hasan was detained by police around 7:30pm on Wednesday from his business premises in Tantibazar, the capital’s key jewellery hub.
BAJUS called upon authorities to withdraw what they described as a "fabricated and harassing" case and to ensure the immediate release of their leader.
