Protesters led by the National Citizen Party (NCP) blockaded the Shahbagh intersection on Friday, announcing the "second phase" of the July Uprising and calling for a ban on the Awami League (AL).
Leaders and activists from various parties and organizations began the blockade around 4:45pm, responding to a call from Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer (South) of the NCP and a key leader of the earlier student-led uprising.
The call was made during a mass rally at Minto Road in the capital.
Hasnat stated that it was unfortunate they were compelled to organize a mass rally to explain why the interim government must ban the AL, even ten months after the July Uprising and the mass killing that followed.
"Rather, it is shameful for us," he added.
In addition, protests demanding an AL ban were also held in Rajshahi, Boalkhali, Noakhali, Kishoreganj, Khulna, and several other locations.
Interim government’s response
The interim government has announced it is seriously considering the demand to ban the Awami League. This was stated in a press release issued by the Chief Adviser’s press wing shortly before 3pm on Friday.
The statement says that the government is seriously considering demands from various political parties, organizations, and citizens to ban the Awami League on charges of authoritarian rule and terrorist activities.
The government has already established contact with political parties on this matter and will make a quick decision after discussions.
Hasnat suggested that rather than consulting with political parties, the interim government should consult with family members of the injured and martyrs of the July uprising, around 4:30pm, from the mass rally.
Who are protesting
The protesters primarily consist of two groups: post–July Uprising parties and organizations, and Islamist parties and organizations. Both have been demanding a ban on the Awami League in recent months.
Post–July Uprising groups include the NCP and United Peoples’ Bangladesh, which has emerged as a pressure group with plans to convert into a political party. Other associated organizations include the Bangladesh Democratic Student Council and the newly formed "July Unity," a coalition of over 50 organizations united in their demand to ban the AL.
Notable members of this coalition include Inqilab Mancha, Anti-Fascist Coalition, and July Mancha.
Islamist parties and organizations involved include Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, Islamic Movement Bangladesh, and Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, among others.
In addition to the Shahbagh blockade, protesters also blockaded the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway, as well as highways in Kushtia and Khulna, demanding a ban on the Awami League on Fridau.
Catalyst of the event
The immediate trigger for the protests was former President Abdul Hamid’s departure for Bangkok on a Thai Airways flight at 3:05am on Thursday—months after the fall of Sheikh Hasina and her party, the Awami League.
While many top AL leaders fled in the immediate aftermath of the uprising, Abdul Hamid had remained in the country—until now.
Protesters allege that the interim government, established following the student-led uprising, assisted Abdul Hamid and other AL affiliates in fleeing the country.
In a statement, the government acknowledged the public outrage over Abdul Hamid’s foreign travel. The former president, who served under what is widely referred to as a fascist regime, is accused in a murder case. The government said it is committed to taking appropriate legal action against all involved in facilitating his departure.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Asif Nazrul, legal adviser to the interim government, stated that responsibility for preventing Abdul Hamid’s travel abroad lies with the police and intelligence agencies—not with his ministry. He added that his ministry only oversees lower court judges and does not control airport security or travel restrictions.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd) announced on Thursday that he would resign if he fails to take action against those responsible for facilitating Hamid’s escape. He further stated that he has ordered the identification and dismissal of all individuals involved.
Prior incidents
Late Thursday night, after 10pm, a group of protesters led by Hasnat Abdullah gathered in front of the chief adviser’s residence at the State Guest House Jamuna.
Around 1am on Thursday, a procession joined the sit-in. It was led by NCP Convener Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossein, along with other central leaders of the party.
Protesters continued their demonstration throughout on Thursday, chanting slogans demanding a ban on the AL from early morning.
In response to the protests, police began restricting vehicle movement from key points, including the Kakrail intersection, Hotel Intercontinental crossing, and Minto Road intersection.
A large number of law enforcement personnel were deployed in rows both in front of and behind the barricade at the State Guest House Jamuna.
