2 Weeks of Hadi's Assassination; Inqilab Manch and Ordinary Citizens Take to Streets Demanding Justice

Activists of Inqilab Manch Friday blocked the Shahbagh intersection in the capital, demanding justice for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a spokesperson of the platform.

The blockade began after Jumma prayers, when leaders and activists brought out a protest procession from the Dhaka University Central Mosque and took position at Shahbagh, disrupting traffic on part of the busy intersection.

M Tanvir Ahmed, deputy commissioner (traffic) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (Ramna division), confirmed the disruption, saying traffic movement on part of Shahbagh had been halted due to the blockade.

He said traffic diversions had been arranged to keep movement as normal as possible.

Vehicles from Banglamotor to Matsya Bhaban were being diverted via Birdem Hospital, while traffic from Matsya Bhaban to Science Lab was moving through the Dhaka University area. Vehicles from Science Lab to Matsya Bhaban were using internal roads via Katabon.

Addressing a rally, Inqilab Manch Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber said the protesters would not leave the streets until all the perpetrators of Hadi's murder were arrested.

"After Juma prayers, we have taken an oath with Hadi's blood that we will not retreat until the killers are brought to justice," he said.

He added that the blockade would continue until the authorities provided a clear explanation and updates on the progress of the investigation.

"From today, we declare a blockade of Shahbagh. This protest will continue until responsible government advisers come forward and inform the public about the progress of arrest of the killers," he said.

During the protest, demonstrators chanted slogans including "Naraye Takbir, Allahu Akbar," "Delhi na Dhaka, Dhaka Dhaka," "One Hadi may be gone, a thousand Hadis will fight," and "Catch Awami League members, put them in jail."