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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bengal has called for a 12-hour Bangla Bandh on August 28, 2024, from 6 am to 6 pm. This bandh is in protest against police brutality towards students who are demonstrating against the recent rape and murder case involving a trainee doctor in RG Kar, Kolkata. The students’ protest turned chaotic on Tuesday, with clashes between the police and demonstrators during the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ march in Kolkata and Howrah.
The BJP West Bengal announced the Bangla Bandh on its official X (formally Twitter) account. It tweeted, “Succeed in the 12-hour Bangla bandh called by BJP tomorrow to protest the brutal police attack on students, torture and insecurity of women in the state.”

The BJP has urged business organizations to keep markets closed, but there is no official confirmation from market committees regarding closures. Public transport is expected to be disrupted, though emergency services will operate as usual. Government offices, banks, schools, and colleges are anticipated to remain open despite the bandh call.

What can we expect?

If the Bandh takes place as planned, public transport is likely to be affected, and educational institutions might stay closed as a result. However, there is no official notification yet. Students, parents, and guardians are advised to contact their respective schools for updates on potential school closures.

Why has the BJP called for a bandh?

The BJP Bengal has called for the Bangla Bandh to protest the police’s actions against students. While the BJP leadership in West Bengal has voiced moral support for the student-led protest, they have clarified that they are not directly involved in organising the rally.