Dhaka-Aricha Highway blocked in Savar demanding ban on AL

Local leaders and activists of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Students Against Discrimination blocked the Dhaka-Aricha Highway in Savar tonight, demanding a ban on the Awami League (AL).

According to witnesses, the protest began around 9:30pm at the Pakija intersection, which was renamed Shaheed Yameen Chattar by students and locals following the events of August 5.

The demonstrators initially blocked the Aricha-bound lane and later also obstructed the Dhaka-bound lane.

The protest was continuing till filing of this report around 10:00pm.

Chanting slogans such as "Ekta ekta League dhar, dhaira dhaira jail-e bhar" (catch Awami League members one by one and send them to jail one after another), the protesters voiced their demand for an immediate ban on the AL.

The blockade has led to severe traffic congestion in both directions of this vital highway.

Protesters vowed not to withdraw until their demand was met.

The officials from Savar Model Police Station and army members were seen at the site.

When contacted, Jewel Mia, officer-in-charge of Savar Model Police Station, confirmed that local leaders and activists of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Students Against Discrimination had blocked the road demanding a ban on the Awami League. "Police are working to diffuse the situation," he said.

Asadul Islam Mukul, a central committee member of the National Citizen Party who was present at the protest, told reporters that, "On August 5, students and people overthrew a fascist government. It was decided that Awami League would no longer be allowed to engage in politics in this country.

"However, we are seeing that even after 10 months, no decision has been made regarding Awami League," he said.

"In this context, we have faced various forms of attacks or assaults in around 34 to 35 places across Bangladesh. Despite so many cases filed against the Awami League, they are not being arrested—they are roaming freely in public."

"We want to say that the current government must ban the Awami League. But until that decision is made, our movement on the streets will continue," said Asadul.

"In solidarity with the blockade programme in Shahbagh, we, the people of Savar and Ashulia, have blocked roads, and we will remain in place until the Awami League is banned," he added.