Forty-four leaders and activists of Awami League and its front organisations have been sued under the Speedy Trial Act for allegedly ransacking vehicles in Barisal city during the hartal that ended on Monday.

Police so far arrested three of the accused. Awami League denied the allegation of ransacking transports.

Police and other sources said, Zamal Hussein, a leaders of Autotempo Workers Union, lodged a case against 19 AL leaders and activists for torching an autotempo on the Sadar Road Monday morn-

ing.

Sohel, an activist of AL's student front Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), was arrested from Amtala in the city in connection with the case.

Md. Khalilur Rahman, publicity secretary of Autotempo Workers Union, lodged another case against 25 AL leaders and workers for ransacking an autotempo on the Hospital Road Saturday.

Police arrested two persons in this case but declined to disclose their identity.

Police said they are trying to nab others accused in the two cases.

Other sources said the accused included Kazi Tarek and Samar Das, convenors of Barisal district and city units of BCL, Debashish, Nayon, Rubel and other prominent AL and BCL activists.

Talukder Md. Yunus, Office Secretary of district AL, denying the allegation said the hartal was spontaneous and there was no need for picketing or ransacking vehicles.

He alleged that to harass and nab opposition leaders and workers, ruling party activists staged the drama of ransacking transports and vehicles and lodged false cases.