Protesters, led by NCP, block Shahbagh intersection demanding ban on Awami League

A large group of protesters, led by the National Citizen Party (NCP), has blocked the Shahbagh intersection in the capital, Dhaka, today (May 9) at 4:45 pm, demanding a ban on the Awami League. The protest, which began earlier in the afternoon, saw a wide range of political groups join forces, including supporters from Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, Jatiya Ganotantrik Party, UP Bangladesh, July Oikya, Students Against Discrimination (SAD), July Mancha, Inqilab Mancha, and several other political organizations.

The demonstration started with a mass rally in front of the Chief Adviser’s official residence, Jamuna, after Jumma prayers, around 2:30 pm. Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer (South) of the NCP, announced that the Shahbagh intersection would remain blocked until their demand for a ban on the Awami League was met.

In his speech, Hasnat Abdullah accused the Awami League of historical violence, claiming, "Awami League has blood on its hands at every stage of history," referencing various incidents such as the 2006 violence, the killings in Pilkhana, and the genocide at Shapla Chattar. He expressed strong discontent, saying, “I don’t want to stay in Bangladesh with the virus called Awami League.” Abdullah, who is also a prominent leader of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD), further accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of being a "salaried employee of Modi" and emphasized that Bangladesh‍‍`s political future should be determined within the country, without foreign influence.

The protestors have made it clear that they will continue to block the intersection until their demands are met.