Dhaka, May 09: Security has been tightened around the Bangladesh capital and nearby areas as a day-long shutdown called by the opposition Awami League to protest the killing of its MP Ahsanullah Master got underway. Master was gunned down at a rally in Tongi by unknown assailants on Friday. The strike is part of a three-day countrywide mourning programme announced by al. The programme will conclude tomorrow with the bringing out a mourning procession in the capital. Several political parties like communist party of Bangladesh, workers party and labour organisations have extended support to the strike. The strike is likely to effect normal business and functioning of schools and government departments.Thousands of security forces, including paramilitary soldiers, have been deployed on the streets of Dhaka and nearby Tonga Ang Ghazipur cities to prevent violence. AL central office at Bangabandhu avenue in the City Centre has been barricaded. Even though police is not allowing people near to al office, small processions were being brought out with protestors chanting slogans and waving black flags, witnesses said. Meanwhile, AL Chief Sheikh Hasina who was on a 10-day tour to the UK and USA has cut short her journey and would return to Dhaka tomorrow, party sources said. Bureau Report