NCP leaders, activists stage sit-in outside parliament despite DMP ban
Holding placards, the protesters demanded implementation of reforms based on a referendum through the oath of the constitutional reform council, the impeachment of the president, and the swift trial of those responsible for the July killings
Leaders and activists of the National Citizen Party (NCP), along with family members of those killed during the July Uprising, staged a sit-in outside the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban this morning (12 March), pressing three key demands despite a ban on demonstrations in the area imposed by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).
The demonstration began around 10:30am at the parliament entrance on Manik Mia Avenue.
Holding placards, the protesters demanded the implementation of reforms through a referendum under a constitutional reform council oath, the impeachment of the president, and a swift trial of those responsible for the July killings.
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Activists and relatives of victims of the July Uprising were seen gathering peacefully at the entrance of the parliament complex to press their demands.
Among those present were NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, Sarwar Tushar and Monira Sharmin, along with other party leaders and activists.
Sarwar Tushar said, "We held the sit-in programme as part of our democratic rights. The first session of parliament has begun, and there are several unresolved issues there. We went to express our position on those matters, and it is the right of citizens in a democratic state."
Speaking about the first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, he said, "Apart from the violation of the oath, there are certainly some positive aspects. But even before taking oath, the BNP had already broken a promise by not taking the oath in the Constitutional Reform Council."
He added, "By appointing a deputy speaker from the ruling party today, they have indicated that they will not implement the July Charter. The charter clearly states that the deputy speaker should come from the opposition."
"However attractive it may sound, the government is once again acting at its own discretion on issues that were already settled in democratic reforms. By appointing the deputy speaker from its own party, the BNP has shown that it is trying to implement reforms according to its own will instead of following the reform process and public mandate," he said.
Regarding the protest, attempts to contact DMP Commissioner Md Sarwar and DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Talebur Rahman for comments were unsuccessful.
Yesterday, DMP imposed a ban on all forms of meetings, rallies, processions and demonstrations in and around the parliament area to maintain law and order ahead of the first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad.
According to a notice signed by acting DMP Commissioner Md Sarwar, the restrictions took effect from midnight and will remain in force until the parliamentary session concludes. The notice also prohibited carrying weapons, explosives and harmful materials in the area.
