The left-leaning 11-party Alliance has called a 6:00am-2:00pm hartal across the country today protesting various 'anti-people' steps of the government.

According to the alliance, the 'anti-people' steps include price hike of the essentials, plan to export gas and demolition of slums without rehabilitating the dwellers.

The alliance has also called upon people to resists various anti-people policies and steps.

It has been protesting the recent hike of oil, power, water, food grains and other essential items.

The grouping also called upon the BNP-led four-party coalition government to put a stop to widespread terrorism in the country.

Meanwhile, police intercepted a procession organised by the alliance at the Muktangon on Thusrday to garner support for the hartal programme.

Many other socio-cultural and political organisations have also supported the hartal programe and called upon people to observe it.

Acting president of Bangladesh Krishok Federation Zobeda Sattar Khan, General Secretary Badrul Alam and President of Bangladesh Kishani Shabha Dr. Samsunnahar Khan Dolly in a joint statement last night called upon the people to observe the hartal.

The other organisations which supported the hartal programme include Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Mukti Andolon, Bangladesh Bhashoman Sramik Union, Bangladesh Bhashoman Nari Sramik Union, Bangladesh Grameen Buddhijibi Front and Gonochhaya Sangskritik Kendra.