Participants injured during the July Mass Uprising blocked Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka this morning (11 May), calling for a permanent legal ban on the Awami League, full implementation of the July Charter, and comprehensive medical care for those wounded in the movement.
The demonstrators rejected what they described as a mere "drama" of banning the Awami League and demanded that the party be outlawed through a clear and legal process.
“As long as we, the injured, are alive, the Awami League and its allies must not be allowed any political rehabilitation,” one protester declared.
They also pressed the Ministry of Health to make a public commitment ensuring lifelong medical treatment for all those injured during the uprising. Protesters vowed to continue their occupation of the streets until their demands are fulfilled.
“We won’t let July be co-opted by any political party,” said another protester. “The July Charter must emerge from the movement itself, from the streets.”
The protest comes in the wake of a key decision by the interim government, which in an Advisory Council meeting on 10 May opted to ban all activities of the Awami League, including its online presence, under the Anti-Terrorism Act until its leaders are tried.
The council further resolved to finalise and publish the July Charter within the next 30 working days.
The movement, initially spearheaded by the National Citizen Party, has since been joined by several other political groups. Demonstrations began on Thursday (8 May) and continued through last night, keeping the crucial Shahbagh intersection closed.
