In protest against the attack on leaders and activists of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Gazipur, members of the movement staged a torch procession followed by a highway blockade in Kushtia.
The protest took place on Saturday from 7:50pm to 8:25pm.
Earlier, at around 7pm, the demonstrators started their torch procession from NS Road, marched through the city's main roads, and then sat down on the Kushtia-Ishurdi highway in front of the police lines.
During the procession, they chanted slogans against the Awami League, Jubo League, and affiliated organizations.
Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Convener Hasibur Rahman, Member Secretary Mostafizur Rahman, and several other leaders addressed the gathering.
In their speeches, they alleged that Awami League supporters had carried out attacks on their leaders and activists in Gazipur.
They demanded justice and the immediate arrest of Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League members in Kushtia.
The speakers insisted that the corruption of the past 17 years must be accounted for and avenged.
During the blockade, the protesters set their torches on fire on the highway, causing severe traffic congestion on both sides.
They chanted slogans such as “Action, Action, Direct Action,” “Delhi or Dhaka, Dhaka,” “Why did my brother die? The administration must answer,” and “Capture Awami League, slaughter them one by one.”
At the brief rally, Mostafizur Rahman demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the attack in Gazipur, warning that if the police failed to act promptly, they would take a stand against the administration, and if necessary, against advisors as well.
He further warned that failure to meet their demands would lead to a blockade.
Hasibur Rahman said: “The countdown has begun. Within the next 24 hours, all fascists must be brought to justice, or the streets will be drenched in blood.” He also warned the superintendent of police, accusing the officers-in-charge (OCs) of Daulatpur and Sadar police stations of acting in favor of the Awami League and demanded action against them.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration, Crime, and Media) Palash Kanti Nath arrived at the scene and spoke with the protest leaders.
During the discussion, Mostafizur Rahman demanded the immediate withdrawal of the officer-in-charge (OC) of Sadar police station.
Palash Kanti Nath assured the protest leaders that the superintendent of police had been informed of all concerns and was investigating the matter.
He added that efforts were underway to arrest those accused in murder cases related to student movements in Kushtia.
Before dispersing, the demonstrators apologized to the public for the inconvenience caused by the blockade.
