Bangladesh is bracing for significant nationwide disruptions as the Inqilab Moncho group has announced blockades across all divisional cities. This escalation of protests follows the reported killing of their leader, Sharif Osman Hadi, igniting a movement that began in Dhaka and is now spreading. The demonstrations are raising serious concerns about public order and safety.
The planned blockades are scheduled to commence at 11 am local time. The announcement was made from Shahbagh, the site of a continuous sit-in protest by Inqilab Moncho supporters since Friday. Activists from the group, joined by others, have already staged protests and blocked major roads in Dhaka, Sylhet, Chattogram, and Kushtia, demanding swift justice for Hadi.
In the capital, protesters occupied the crucial Shahbagh intersection following Friday prayers and remained there overnight. On Saturday, they briefly relocated to allow a prominent political figure to visit Hadi’s grave near Dhaka University before returning to Shahbagh, causing a significant halt to vehicular traffic. A spokesperson for Inqilab Moncho issued a stern warning that the protests would intensify if the government does not act decisively. He stated that the movement could expand beyond current protest sites, even threatening to occupy symbolic locations like Jamuna or the parliament. The group criticizes the government’s perceived inaction, highlighting the ongoing protest and lack of official engagement. They claim that the administration is disconnected from the public’s distress. The protest has seen broad participation, drawing individuals from various segments of society, including women, children, and cultural figures, all united in their call for justice. Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure from a significant recent public movement, founded Inqilab Moncho and was considered a potential candidate for an upcoming election. He was tragically shot and killed on December 12th while traveling and later died from his injuries. His death has sparked wider unrest, with reports of vandalism and arson, including attacks on media offices. The situation is putting significant pressure on authorities to manage the ongoing agitation and respond to the demands for accountability.
