Police have blocked a march towards the Police Headquarters in the capital, which was organized to demand the arrest of police personnel allegedly involved in "conspiring against the July martyrs and committing genocide."
The march began at 3:30pm on Friday in front of the Shahbagh Museum but was obstructed by police on the way.
Protesters were later seen continuing their demonstration in front of the barricades.
Earlier, Inqilab Mancha had called for the "Janatar July Jatra" (People’s July March) towards the Police Headquarters.
As per the announced program, the protesters gathered at Shahbagh at 3:30pm and began their march after a brief rally in front of Shahbagh police station.
However, when they reached the High Court premises, police stopped their procession.
Standing in front of the barricades, the demonstrators demanded immediate legal action against police personnel involved in "conspiring against the July martyrs and committing genocide."
They urged authorities to identify the perpetrators using video footage and bring them to justice.
Speaking at the rally, Inqilab Mancha Spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi said: “Those temporarily suspended for their involvement in the July uprising have been seen marching in front of the headquarters. How can those who should be behind bars take out processions? Moreover, instead of exemplary punishment, many have merely been transferred to the Chittagong Hill Tracts. We will besiege the Police Headquarters to ensure exemplary punishment for these officers.”
The protesters also raised several other demands, including the arrest and prosecution of all police officers directly involved in the killings during the anti-discrimination movement.
They called for disciplinary action against officers responsible for filing false cases, reports, and harassment.
Additionally, they demanded the mandatory retirement of police officers affiliated with the student wing of the ruling party and the public disclosure of the list of police officers reprimanded and transferred for their involvement in the July genocide.
The demonstrators also insisted that the accused police personnel be transferred to the Chittagong Hill Tracts as a form of punishment.
