The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has declared a 12-hour Bangal  Bandh for tomorrow, August 28,  in response to police actions against students protesting a recent case of doctor rape and murder in Kolkata. The demonstration, known as the 'Nabanna Abhijan,' resulted in significant disruptions in Kolkata and Howrah on Tuesday, as clashes erupted between police and demonstrators.

Bangla Bandh Tomorrow: What to Expect

The BJP has urged businesses to shut down, but it remains unclear whether markets will comply, as no confirmations have been made. Public transport and private offices are likely to be affected, though emergency services, including ambulances, will continue to operate. Government offices, banks, schools, colleges, and petrol stations are expected to remain open. Essential services such as medical care, drinking water, public transport, rail services, and electricity are anticipated to function as usual.

Schools and colleges are expected to remain open, though there has been no official word on closures for government offices, banks, or other institutions. Students and parents should check with their schools for updates, as some educational institutions may switch to online classes for the day.

Bangla Bandh Timing
The bandh is scheduled to take place from 6 AM to 6 PM on August 28.

Reason for the Bandh
The BJP organized the Bangla Bandh to protest against the police's handling of student demonstrators. Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, condemned the police actions, stating, "Reports of unprovoked police attacks on peaceful protesters are coming in. I urge the Kolkata and West Bengal Police to halt their actions immediately. If not, we will paralyze the state on Wednesday."

While the BJP has shown support for the student-led protest, they deny direct involvement in the rally. Student wings of the Left Parties have distanced themselves from the event, accusing BJP and RSS leaders of using student activism for political purposes.

Nabanna: Center of the Unrest
Nabanna, the state Secretariat in Howrah, became the epicenter of the protests. The building houses key offices, including that of the Chief Minister. The ruling Trinamool Congress claims the protest was a planned attempt to incite unrest, as the march had not received official permission.

The situation escalated in Santragachi, Howrah, where protesters tried to breach police barricades, leading to police lathi charges and the use of teargas. The unrest spread to Howrah Bridge, where demonstrators clashed with police, resulting in injuries to some officers and a Rapid Action Force (RAF) jawan needing hospitalization.

Political Reactions and Security Measures
Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh questioned the neutrality of the protest, alleging links between the organizers and the RSS. In response to the demonstrations, approximately 6,000 police officers have been deployed, with 2,000 stationed around Nabanna to maintain order and prevent further incidents.

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