A dawn to dusk hartal called by Rangpur Sikkha Board Bastabayan Committee was observed in five districts of Rangpur, Nilphamari, Gaibandha, Kurigram and Lalmonirhat.

Eye-witnesses told this correspondent that a group of picketers was picketing in favour of hartal in two educational institutions at Jummapara in the town when anti-hartal supporters armed with lethal weapons attacked them. The two injured photojournalists were identified as Aftabuzzaman of The Dainik Paribesh and Feroz Mahmud of The Daily Juger Alo.

During hartal hours transport vehicles remained off the roads, attendance in government and non-government offices including educational institutions were thin.

A big procession was brought out in the town. After the procession a meeting was held at Court Square. Advocate Gazi presided over the meeting.

The committee called next hartals in the five districts on April 17 and 18 in demand of an education board in Rangpur.