Despite its activities being officially banned, leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations brought out a brief procession in Dhanmondi area of the capital on Sunday afternoon, with reports of a crude bomb (cocktail) explosion during the demonstration.
Witnesses said the procession, involving over a hundred participants, began near Rapa Plaza on Road 27 and moved toward the Bangladesh Eye Hospital in the Shankar area around 3:15pm.
Chanting slogans, protesters demanded the withdrawal of cases against Awami League leaders, including party chief Sheikh Hasina, and called for the resignation of the interim government.
One participant, identifying himself as a leader of the Jubo League, told reporters that activists from the Awami League and all its affiliated organisations were present.
According to the witnesses, “Several hundred people brought the procession in Dhanmondi 27. A crude bomb was exploded during the time, after which the demonstrators quickly dispersed toward Shankar.”
When contacted, Dhanmondi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kayshinyu Marma said, “Around 25 to 30 people held a flash procession in Dhanmondi 27 area. We reached the scene shortly after receiving the report but found no one there.” On the reported explosion, he added, “We’ve heard about it, but it’s not yet confirmed. We’re investigating the matter.”
This is not the first such instance in recent weeks. Just a week ago, several hundred Awami League supporters were seen protesting near the south gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque in Gulistan.
The protests come in the wake of significant political turmoil. On August 5, 2024, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina reportedly fled to India amid a mass uprising that led to the fall of her government. An interim administration was formed on August 8.
