After the Awami League's activities were banned on Saturday night, most protesters left Shahbagh, but the victims of the July uprising stayed behind, vowing to continue until their demands are met.
By around 11am on Sunday, demonstrators had set up a stage at the centre of the Shahbagh intersection and blocked nearby roads with barricades, bringing traffic to a halt.
They declared they would not leave the area until three core demands are fulfilled: a permanent ban on the Awami League, proper medical treatment for the injured, and the official release of the July Declaration.
One of the injured protesters, Apon, said: “Even if everyone else leaves, we will stay. We have only three demands and they are in the interest of the nation. We have nothing left to lose. We will remain here until our demands are fulfilled.”
Another injured protester, Sakil, added: “We know how to shed blood. We have no fear now. We stood our ground on the streets, risking our lives. If necessary, we will stay on the streets even longer to realize our demands. We will not leave until they are met.”
Earlier on Saturday night, the Interim Government officially banned all activities of the Awami League.
Consequently, those protesting for the party’s ban withdrew from Shahbagh later that night.
