Protesters have been blockading the Shahbag intersection in the capital for 19 consecutive hours, protesting to demand the swift trial of those involved in the murder of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Hadi. This has completely halted vehicular movement on the roads around Shahbag.
Eyewitnesses report that around 10:30pm on Thursday, protesters began gathering at Shahbag, arriving in processions from various parts of the capital. They then took position at the Shahbag intersection. After Friday prayers on Friday, more protesters joined them in scattered processions.
According to the pre-announced programme, after Friday prayers, protesters arrived at Shahbag in small processions from various mosques, including Dhaka University and Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, and took position. However, a section of the protesters performed Friday prayers under the open sky at Shahbag.
The protesters stated they will continue their programme until a complete outline of the judicial process for Hadi’s murder is announced.
During the protest, the demonstrators chanted various slogans including “Who are you, who am I – Hadi Hadi”, “Catch the League – fill the jails”, “Not Delhi, Dhaka – Dhaka Dhaka”, and “Naraye Takbir – Allahu Akbar”. However, the protesters did not use any political party or organisational identity.
Shahbag Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC) in charge, Md Moniruzzaman, told TIMES of Bangladesh, “The protesters have barricaded the street. The road is currently blocked.”
