DE News Desk :
The Shahbagh intersection remained blocked for a second consecutive day on Saturday as protesters, led by the National Citizen Party (NCP) and allied groups, continued their sit-in demanding a ban on the Awami League (AL) and the prosecution of its leaders over alleged human rights violations.
The demonstration, which began Friday afternoon, has brought traffic to a standstill in one of Dhaka’s busiest areas, leading to severe congestion and public inconvenience across surrounding neighborhoods.
As of 12:30pm Saturday, the blockade remained in effect.
Protesters are calling for legal action against Awami League leaders and supporters accused of involvement in violence during the July mass uprising, the 2009 BDR mutiny, the Shapla Square incident, and a series of alleged enforced disappearances during what they describe as a 15-year “fascist regime.”
A mass rally is scheduled for 3:00pm at Shahbagh, where demonstrators will formally demand a nationwide ban on the AL and its affiliated wings, and the trial of the party as a political entity.
Protesters, many of whom spent the night at the site, were seen chanting slogans Saturday afternoon.
NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah announced the rally late Friday, also declaring that parallel gatherings would be held at all designated “July Points” across the country.
He outlined a three-point demand:Declaring the Awami League and its affiliated organisations as terrorist groups;Amending the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act to allow for the trial of political parties;Issuing a formal “July Proclamation” in reference to the 2023 mass uprising.
In a social media post early Saturday, Hasnat urged demonstrators to keep roads clear nationwide, except at the Shahbagh epicenter.
On Thursday night, in a precursor to the current blockade, students and activists gathered near the residence of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, following calls by NCP leaders Nahid Islam and Hasnat Abdullah.
Those participating in the ongoing protests include student groups, individuals injured in past clashes, and members of various political and religious organisations, including Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, Islami Chhatra Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Inquilab Mancha, Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad, and Amar Bangladesh Party.