3 rallies, including NCP's, at Shahbagh in a day despite DMP ban

Highlights:

• DMP imposed ban on gatherings at Shahbagh on 13 Mar
• Three different rallies at Shahbagh this afternoon
• Rallies cause traffic congestion today

Three protest rallies took place in the capital's Shahbagh area this afternoon (22 March) despite a ban on such events imposed earlier by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

Due to the protests, vehicles were seen moving slowly in the area, causing some traffic congestion and suffering to commuters before iftar.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) held a rally in front of the Bangladesh National Museum at Shahbagh this afternoon, demanding the trial of Awami League (AL) and cancellation of its registration as a political party.

Protesters at Shahbagh intersection on 22 March 2025. Photo: UNB

Meanwhile, demanding a ban on the AL, a group of students under the banner of "July Mancha" staged a protest rally in the middle of the busy Shahbagh intersection – heavily disrupting traffic.

Another group of protesters, under the banner of "Chhatro Jonotar Somabesh", also held a rally at Shahbagh, demanding justice for genocide committed during last year's July uprising.

Photo: Focus Bangla

They also called for the removal of the home affairs adviser and justice for rape victims across the country.

On 13 March, in order to maintain law and order, the DMP had imposed a ban on all types of public gatherings, rallies, and processions at Shahbagh intersection until further notice.

However, the police personnel, around 50 to 60 officers, deployed at Shahbagh today did not enforce the ban on gatherings, reports our correspondent.

Speaking to The Business Standard, DMP Media Wing's Assistant Commissioner Jahangir Kabir said the embargo on demonstrations in Shahbagh is still in force and no decision has been made yet to lift it.

The DMP official, however, declined to make comments regarding today's protests.