The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has heightened security around the Bangabhaban area in response to staging a program in front of the presidential residence, demanding the resignation of President Md Shahabuddin and fulfilling four demands.
A significant number of police officers, army APCs, and water cannons have been deployed.
On Tuesday, the Shadhinota Sharbobhoumotto Rokkha Committee began a procession from the Raju Sculpture at Dhaka University and headed towards Bangabhaban.
They managed to advance past the police barriers at the High Court Mazar intersection.
Upon reaching Bangabhaban, the protesters attempted to stage a sit-in but faced resistance from the police.
They then took a position at the intersection and began protesting.
Eyewitnesses reported that agitated citizens, under the banner of the Shadhinota Sharbobhoumotto Rokkha Committee, were staging demonstrations and delivering speeches near Bangabhaban.
Nearby, around fifty people gathered with a banner titled "Roktim July-2024," demanding the president's resignation.
When asked about the overall security situation in the Bangabhaban area, DMP's Joint Commissioner Md Faruk Hossain said: “DMP has issued instructions to strengthen security in the Bangabhaban area. Accordingly, a significant number of police officers have been deployed. Plainclothes intelligence officers are also on duty. To ensure that no untoward incidents occur, local police, along with army and RAB personnel, are providing support.”
Md Shahriar Ali, deputy commissioner (DC) of the Motijheel division, who was present at the scene, said: “We are on alert. Some protesters with two or three banners are demonstrating here. We have not stopped them, but we remain vigilant to ensure no incidents occur.”
Notably, the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country on August 5 amid public pressure.
Following her departure, President Md. Shahabuddin addressed the nation, saying: “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has submitted her resignation, and I have accepted it.”
However, in a recent interview with Matiur Rahman, editor of the Manab Zamin newspaper, the president revealed that although he heard about Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, he has not received any formal documentation or proof.
He further added, “Despite many efforts to obtain the resignation letter, I have failed. Perhaps she hasn’t had the time.”
After this, the leaders who led the movement for the government's downfall renewed their protests against the president.