'July Mancha' protesters occupy Shahbagh intersection demanding ban on Awami League

A group of students have gathered at the capital's busy Shahbagh intersection, demanding a ban on the Awami League (AL).

Under the banner of "July Mancha", the students are staging a protest on the road, disrupting traffic in the area, reports Prothom Alo.

They were seen sitting and protesting in the middle of the intersection at around 3pm today (22 March), chanting slogans demanding the ban of the AL.

Vehicles were seen moving slowly past the protesters, causing some traffic congestion.

The protesters stated that "a party of conspirators and coup plotters like the Awami League" cannot be rehabilitated.

They emphasised that while students and the public may have differences on various issues, there is consensus that the Awami League must be banned. Whether it is "refined" Awami League or the party under any other name or cover, it will not be allowed to engage in politics in this country.

They warned that if necessary, students and the people will once again take to the streets and shed blood, but will not allow the Awami League to continue in politics.

Traffic police on duty at Shahbagh said that around 1:30pm, some students marched to Shahbagh and began their sit-in protest. They are trying to keep the traffic moving slowly alongside their protest.

Meanwhile, several other organisations and students from Dhaka University also staged a rally today, demanding a ban on the Awami League, reports UNB.

Shakil Mia, an organiser of the July Movement students participating in the rally, said, "All those associated with the Awami League are involved in some form of crime. Therefore, we want the registration of the Awami League to be cancelled."

He also said the Awami League should not be allowed to participate in the next election.

"Considering the wrongdoings the Awami League has committed over the past 16 years, no good worker of the party can be found," he added.

Another participant added, "We demand the cancellation of the Awami League's registration, and its activities should be banned. All leaders and workers involved in misdeeds should be brought to justice."

The speakers also demanded trial for those involved in looting, disappearances, and killings during the Awami League's rule.

Meanwhile, "July Warriors", a forum formed by the families of the martyrs and injured victims of the July uprising, gave the interim government 48 hours to ban Awami League.

They issued the ultimatum from a protest rally held at the Raju Sharok Bhaskarjya on the Dhaka University campus today.