Dhaka traffic chokes as protesters block Shahbagh over July Charter
Their demands included official recognition of July martyrs and fighters, lifelong honour and welfare for the families of martyrs and the injured, and full state responsibility for medical treatment, education, rehabilitation, and employment for those affected
Some parts of Dhaka witnessed traffic chaos yesterday as protesters blocked the Shahbagh intersection, demanding immediate enforcement of the "July Charter".
A group of protesters, under the banner of "July Martyr Families and July Warriors (Injured)", blocked the intersection amid rain, demanding that the charter be implemented immediately and made permanent.
The blockade resulted in massive traffic jams on the roads surrounding Shahbagh, including Katabon, Science Laboratory, Karwan Bazar, Farmgate, and Matsya Bhaban.
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Tariqul Alam Sumon, traffic inspector of Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Shahbagh zone, said the protesters blocked the intersection from 10am.
Shahbagh houses two important hospitals in the city, and the blockade created suffering for patients who came to avail medical services.
Despite the rain, the protesters continued their demonstration without interruption. During the protest, protesters chanted slogans such as "Take our blood if needed, but give us the July Charter," and "No more stalling on July Charter."
Their demands included official recognition of July martyrs and fighters, lifelong honour and welfare for the families of martyrs and the injured, and full state responsibility for medical treatment, education, rehabilitation, and employment for those affected.
They also demanded lifelong allowances for the injured and martyr families, formation of special legal protection and support centres, prosecution of those responsible for violence against July protesters according to international standards, and the formation of an independent Truth and Justice Commission.
Protesters said they would continue their programme until their demands are met and urged the authorities to take immediate action. The blockade ended at around 4pm.
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members were deployed in the area to combat any untoward situation.
