Awami League leaders and activists, whose political activities remain officially banned, have staged another rally against the interim government in Dhaka -- the second in five days.
The demonstration began around 2pm on Friday in Tejgaon`s Nabisco factory area under the banner of Dhaka North City Awami League, reports bdnews24.com.
More than a thousand activists marched from Nabisco towards the Tibet factory area, chanting slogans in support of party chief and deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and against the Muhammah Yunus-led interim administration.
Tejgaon Industrial Area Police Station chief Md Aslam Hossain said that security forces had tried to stop the gatherings earlier in the day.
“In the morning, some people came out at GME intersection. We didn`t allow them to march. At that time, one Chhatra League activist named Niamul Hasan from Tejgaon College was detained."
“And in the afternoon, Awami League supporters came out again in the Nabisco area. We are detaining them,” he added.
An onlooker described seeing “thousands of people" marching towards the Tibet factory area, chanting "Sheikh Hasina" and "Joy Bangla”.
“The Awami League brought out a procession with nearly 2,000 people,” the witness added.
Protesters were heard shouting slogans such as: “Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Hasina”, “If Sheikh Hasina returns, Bangladesh will smile”, “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu”, and “Remove Yunus, save the country.”
One Awami League loyalist said that activists felt compelled to take to the streets despite the risks.
“There is no way to survive just by staying home, so what is the point of staying home? That’s why, after receiving instructions, we came out with our people. Today’s Dhaka North Awami League procession had a huge turnout."
“This illegal government is not letting anyone live in peace. The people`s leader Sheikh Hasina and Awami League leaders across the country are being harassed with false cases. We marched to protest this.”
PARALLEL PROCESSION IN DHANMONDI
Reports also emerged of several hundred Awami League activists marching in Dhanmondi on Friday.
Asked about the matter, Dhanmondi Police Station chief Kyshainu Marma said: “Many people are sending me photos of the rally, but we are not yet certain. We are checking.”
