Police urge protesters not to block roads to push for demands

As Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection has been blocked by protests demanding a ban on the Awami League for three consecutive days, police have requested protesters to “consider the issue of traffic jams” and not block the road with their programmes in the name of pushing for their demands.

In a statement on Monday, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said: "Recently, road blockades in the capital in the name of various demands and protest programmes, etc. are causing severe traffic jams."

The blockades are causing various “inconveniences” for school, college, and university students as well as those commuting to work, it said. The DMP also said that the travel of foreign-bound travellers and sick patients in urgent need are being “seriously disrupted”.

The circular titled “Request Not to Obstruct Traffic by Blocking Roads” further states: “The Dhaka Metropolitan Police Traffic Division is making a vital effort to reduce traffic congestion, but incidents of blocking roads for any reason are causing widespread public suffering.”

Under the circumstances, the DMP is making a “special request” to all concerned parties to refrain from blocking roads unnecessarily in the “larger interest” of city residents and for “proper traffic management”.

Meanwhile, Shahbagh Police Station OC Md Khalid Mansur says there is a “possibility” of the Shahbagh intersection being blocked on Monday as well.

Around 12:30pm, he said: “Traffic movement is normal at the Shahbagh intersection for now. But a group of those injured in the July Uprising have taken up positions in front of Shahbagh Museum. They could go to block the intersection. We are talking to them.”

As news of former president Md Abdul Hamid's departure from the country spread, a group of protesters took up positions in front of the State Guest House Jamuna – the official residence of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus - on Thursday night at the call of National Citizens Party South chief Hasnat Abdullah.

Leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami, the AB Party, Islami Chhatra Shibir, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Hifazat-e Islam and various organisations involved in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’s uprising expressed solidarity with the programme.

After Friday prayers, the protesters set up a stage at the entrance of Minto Road and held a rally there. Leaders and activists of various political parties participated in the event, holding placards and festoons demanding the banning of the Awami League.

After NCP leader Hasnat announced the Shahbagh blockade, the protesters took up positions at the key intersection.

On Saturday afternoon, a mass rally at the location demanded a ban on the ousted Awami League.

Meanwhile, those injured in the July Uprising blocked the road at the Shishu Mela intersection on Mirpur Road.

Activists of various political parties also blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Shanir Akhra with the same demand.

A decision to ban the activities of the Awami League was taken at an advisory council meeting on Saturday night.

After that, the larger organisations involved in the July Uprising, including the NCP, Jamaat, and AAP Bangladesh left Shahbagh. However, a group of those injured in the July Uprising continued the blockade at Shahbagh intersection on Sunday.

Their presence in the Shahbagh area continues on Monday. They are pushing for a permanent ban on the Awami League, the publication of the July Charter, and ensuring the proper treatment for the injured.