Led by NCP, protesters block Shahbagh demanding ban on Awami League

Protesters blocked the Shahbagh intersection around 4:40 pm on Friday, demanding a ban on the Awami League (AL), vowing to continue their sit-in until their demands are met.

The announcement was made by Hasnat Abdullah, chief coordinator of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) for the southern region, during a rally held in front of the InterContinental Hotel.

“Our demand has not reached the ears of the interim government,” Hasnat declared at around 4:30 pm.

“So we are leaving the rally venue and heading towards Shahbagh. We will not leave until our demand is fulfilled,” he asserted.

Shortly after the declaration, a procession marched from Minto Road and reached Shahbagh at around 4:40 pm, where demonstrators began a sit-in.

During the rally, Hasnat accused the Awami League of dismantling democracy.

“The Awami League is not a political party by any means. In 1974, it formed ‘BAKSAL’ and replaced democracy with a mafia system,” he said.

Hasnat also alleged, “Fifteen lakh people died of starvation due to the Awami League’s looting. The blood of the people is on their hands. With India’s support, they killed patriotic army officers.”

The protest began earlier in the day around 2:45 pm with a recitation from the Holy Quran by NCP leader Ashraf Mahadi.

To mitigate the heat at the rally site, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) reportedly began spraying water using a water cannon from 3 pm.

Several other political groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Inquilab Mancha, Islamic Movement, and AB Party, have expressed solidarity with the protest.

The movement gained momentum after a group of students led by the NCP gathered in front of the Chief Adviser’s residence, Jamuna, on Thursday  night, demanding a ban on the Awami League.

The sit-in formally began around 10 pm on Thursday under Hasnat’s leadership.