Anti-rape protesters have called off their movement after blocking Shahbagh intersection for two hours tprotest the attack on their anti-rape long march on October 17.
They also called off the countrywide blockade program after announcing a mass rally in eight divisions in the month of November.
Earlier, left leaning student bodies under the banner "Bangladesh Against Rape and Injustice" created blockade at Shahbagh intersection around 12:30pm on Wednesday.
Also read - Attack on anti-rape rally: Leftists announce nationwide blockade
Chhatra Union President Mehedi Hasan Nobel called off the blockade program in his concluding remark.
Demonstrate blockade the Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka during a protest against rape on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 | Md Manik/Dhaka TribuneHe said: "Following the blockade in Shahbagh, the government should understand that if we block the streets of the whole country, then Chhatra League and Juba League will not get a chance to flee. In Feni, we were attacked by Nizam Hazari's cadres and police. But they could not stop our long-march."
He threatened the government by saying it is high time for them (govt) to correct themselves.
"We stand strong for the fulfilment of our nine-point demand. I want to make it clear that if these demands are not met, then these nine-point will be the reason for uprooting the regime of Sheikh Hasina government in the coming days," the leftist leader added.
Blockade in Shahbagh
As part of pre-scheduled program of nationwide blockade, the newly made anti-rape platform demonstrated against the attack on them at the Central Shaheed Minar area of Feni town around 11:30am on October 17, which left seven people injured.
Demonstrate blockade the Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka during a protest against rape on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 | Md Manik/Dhaka TribuneLeftists blocked the key point of Dhaka after holding a procession which paraded through New Elephant road, creating severe traffic gridlocks on incoming and outgoing routes from Shahbagh to Science Lab, Bangla Motor and Fishery building.
Leaders and activists of Bangladesh Chhatra Union, Socialist Student Front, Bangladesh Chhatra Federation and others have joined the protest.
While addressing the protest, Nasir Uddin Prince, general secretary of Socialist Student Front said: "We were attacked by the government patron goons at Feni, while doing our peaceful protest. A nationwide protest is being observed today and our demonstration will continue by blocking Shahbagh intersection.”
Chhatra Union's Dhaka University unit General Secretary Rageeb Nayeem remarked that those who nurture the rapists have attacked them.
Protesters burn a tyre during an anti-rape demonstration at Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 | Rajib Dhar/Dhaka TribuneGolam Mostafa, president of Chhatra Federation said: "This state is providing shelter to the rapists as well as favouring them. The state carries out attack through their associated wings over the anti-rape protest. We are condemning this behaviour of the state."
Mamun-or-Rashid, officer In charge of Shahbagh police station told this correspondent that the law enforcement agency requested the protesters to leave the streets.
"They did not pay any heed to our request. Mass people are suffering for the traffic gridlock due to their blockade," he added.
Demonstrators continued their protest by blocking the intersection and burning tires.
The protesters alleged that members of the ruling party’s associate bodies as well as law enforcement officials attacked several leaders and activists of the leftist organizations.
The leaders and activists were getting on a bus and were on their way to Noakhali from Feni as part of the long-march which started from Shahbagh on October 16 -- to press home their nine-point demand to curb sexual violence against women.
