The capital city is abuzz with activity following the announcement of an Awami League protest march.
The party recently announced on its Facebook page that it would hold a protest march in Gulistan area. However, from morning till 1pm, there has been no sign of Awami League activists in the Paltan, Zero Point, or Gulistan areas.
Instead, various political groups have been arriving here in processions every so often, demonstrating their stance with slogans.
Since morning, public transport has been operating as usual, and traffic congestion has been present like regular days. People were seen moving around as usual, although security forces were visibly alert throughout the area, with a water cannon and an APC kept ready at Zero Point.
So far, however, no Awami League activists have been seen at the location.
Arif Rabbani, who came with a procession under the banner of an organization named "Kafela of July", said: “The allies of fascists are conspiring from abroad. They are still making desperate efforts to destabilize the country. Instead of repenting for past massacres, they are trying to create instability. The Awami League is a despicable party in the eyes of the Bangladeshi people. They have no shame. Today, their announced program will be thwarted at any cost.”
Meanwhile, the Awami League's Facebook page continues to make posts calling for a successful protest march on Sunday, with various directives for activists.
In a post on its verified Facebook page, Awami League announced a protest march at Dhaka's Zero Point at Shaheed Noor Hossain Square in commemoration of Shaheed Noor Hossain Day on November 10.
The post stated that a protest march would be held at 3pm, calling for the removal of anti-democratic forces and the reestablishment of democratic governance under the leadership of the Bangladesh Awami League.
Awami League activists and associates, along with common people who believe in the values of the Liberation War and democratic principles, were invited to participate. The post also urged Awami League units at all district and sub-district levels to observe the central program accordingly.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has also announced a counter-gathering at the same location.
